Engine Mount Cracks Linked to Fatal UPS Plane Crash in Kentucky

Federal aviation authorities have revealed new information regarding the recent crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigators found evidence of fatigue cracks in the left wing's engine mount of the MD-11 aircraft, which contributed to the catastrophic failure during takeoff.

Photographic evidence released by investigators documented the sequence of the accident, starting with the engine beginning to separate from its housing. The images show the engine detaching from the wing, igniting a fire that quickly engulfed the wing area. Despite the crew's attempts, the aircraft managed to climb only about 30 feet before losing control and crashing near Muhammad Ali International Airport.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, with the flight data recorder indicating that the aircraft barely left the ground. The disaster claimed the lives of all three crew members aboard the plane, in addition to 11 people on the ground. All victims have been identified by authorities.

The NTSB's investigation highlighted that the aircraft, a 34-year-old MD-11, was not yet scheduled for a detailed inspection of its engine mount according to current maintenance protocols. The plane had been inspected in October 2021, and by maintenance standards, was still several thousand flight cycles away from requiring another inspection of those components. Aviation safety experts have noted that fatigue cracks are a common issue for metal parts subject to repeated stress, such as engine mounts, and the incident has raised concerns over whether current inspection intervals are sufficient for aging aircraft.

Following the accident, all MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global Airlines were temporarily grounded for inspection and potential repairs. A small number of older DC-10 models, which share similar structural designs, were also affected. Regulatory authorities have not yet determined the specific maintenance or inspection requirements that must be met before these aircraft can return to service.

Industry analysts have pointed out that the affected carriers were already considering phasing out their MD-11 fleets within the next few years. Any new requirements for additional inspections or part replacements could accelerate these plans due to the associated costs and operational impacts. MD-11s currently account for nearly 9% of the UPS fleet and 4% of FedEx's aircraft inventory.

UPS has stated that it is fully cooperating with investigators to determine the root cause of the crash. Company officials have indicated that no decisions will be made regarding the fleet's return to service until a comprehensive inspection plan is developed and all necessary repairs are completed.

The NTSB report drew parallels to a 1979 crash involving an American Airlines DC-10 in Chicago, where a similar engine and pylon assembly failure led to the loss of 273 lives. Both the MD-11 and DC-10 models have historically higher accident rates compared to other commercial aircraft, according to safety data compiled by industry sources.

Experts have urged aviation regulators to consider more advanced inspection technologies that can detect structural fatigue beyond what is visible to the naked eye. The recent events have underscored the importance of reassessing maintenance schedules for older aircraft to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the Louisville community is mourning the loss of lives and seeking solace through public gatherings, including a memorial concert organized by local institutions. The full findings of the investigation are expected to inform future safety regulations and maintenance practices for cargo aircraft operating in the United States and internationally.