UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash at UPS's Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 14 people, including three pilots. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The aircraft, a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter, crashed moments after takeoff, erupting into a fireball. The NTSB reported that the crew tried to regain control of the plane after a warning bell sounded in the cockpit just seconds before the crash. According to the NTSB, one of the plane's engines detached from the left wing as it plunged off the runway, destroying two nearby businesses.
UPS and FedEx grounded the MD-11s "out of an abundance of caution," both companies said in separate statements. UPS operates 27 MD-11 aircraft, which account for 9% of its fleet, while FedEx operates 28 of the planes. Boeing, which acquired the MD-11 program through its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas, recommended the grounding of the aircraft for safety reasons, coordinating with the FAA on the matter.
The grounding of the MD-11 fleet by the world's largest cargo carriers, who handle a significant portion of global logistics, has raised concerns over potential disruptions. UPS and FedEx are major players in shipping for retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as for manufacturers and the U.S. Postal Service. However, both companies assured customers that contingency plans were being implemented to minimize disruptions.
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the crash and expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days. The last UPS cargo plane crash occurred in 2013, when an Airbus aircraft went down during landing at the Birmingham International Airport, killing both crew members.
Boeing stated that the MD-11, which was discontinued in 2000 and ended passenger service in 2014, was grounded "in an abundance of caution" following the tragic event, ensuring the continued safety of operations.
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