In the aftermath of a tragic crash involving a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, UPS and FedEx have decided to ground their respective fleets of these planes. This decision followed a deadly incident at the UPS global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 6, 2025.
Grounding of MD-11 Planes
Both UPS and FedEx are taking precautionary measures by pausing operations of their MD-11 fleets. UPS’s fleet consists of approximately 9% MD-11 aircraft, while FedEx has about 4% of its airline fleet comprised of these planes.
- UPS stated that the grounding is based on the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer.
- FedEx announced it would conduct a thorough safety review.
Details of the Crash
The crash occurred at the UPS Worldport facility, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives, including three pilots. The MD-11 was attempting to take off when a warning bell sounded in the cockpit.
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman shared insights regarding the incident. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude, with flames visible on its left wing soon after takeoff.
Investigation Insights
Preliminary findings indicate that the cockpit voice recorder captured the alarm approximately 37 seconds after the pilots initiated takeoff thrust. Investigators are working to understand the alarm’s significance.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former federal crash investigator, speculates that the bell signaled an engine fire. However, the crew may have faced limited options due to the timing of the alarm.
Impact on UPS Worldport
UPS Worldport is the company’s largest handling facility, operating over 300 flights daily. It employs more than 20,000 individuals and processes upwards of 400,000 packages every hour.
Operations at UPS Worldport resumed shortly after the incident with its Next Day Air services returning to normal by Wednesday night.
Further investigations into the incident will continue, examining various angles, including flight records and maintenance history, to determine the circumstances surrounding this serious event.
