NTSB releases new footage of UPS plane’s engine disconnecting before fatal crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated two days of hearings to investigate the catastrophic UPS cargo plane crash that claimed 15 lives after an engine separation incident. The tragedy occurred as the MD-11 aircraft departed Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. Three pilots and 12 individuals on the ground perished due to the crash, leaving many more injured.
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the NTSB, assured families during the hearings that the investigation aimed to uncover the truth behind the disaster. She expressed a commitment to identifying the root cause of the accident. The investigation also revealed that the ill-fated plane was brought into service following a fuel leak incident that had rendered the original aircraft inoperable. There were reports of the flight crew exchanging lighthearted banter with the maintenance team during the pre-flight inspection.
Numerous rounds of questioning during the hearings involved a range of stakeholders, including Boeing, UPS, the mechanics’ union, and others. It is anticipated that the NTSB’s final report will be issued over a year after the crash as investigators thoroughly analyze every potential factor contributing to the incident.
The UPS plane’s ill-fated flight, bound for Hawaii with cargo and fuel onboard, met a tragic end shortly after takeoff. Dramatic images released by the NTSB post-crash depicted the startling moment when the engine detached from the wing, causing flames to erupt. The aircraft collided with multiple establishments in Louisville, igniting a massive fireball. The incident led to the grounding of all MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft, with investigations revealing similar part defects in other UPS planes as well as a DC-10 aircraft.
In analyzing past incidents involving similar aircraft, the NTSB discovered cracks in the engine-mounting parts, highlighting potential lapses in maintenance procedures. In particular, concerns surrounding the spherical bearing that secures engines to wings had been raised by McDonnell Douglas (later merged with Boeing) following previous incidents. Boeing’s issuance of a service bulletin in 2011, detailing failures related to the part, did not mandate repairs, leading to questions about safety protocols.
Despite the setbacks faced by the MD-11 fleet, some aircraft have been cleared to resume operations following inspections and part replacements. FedEx has recommenced MD-11 operations, although UPS has opted to retire its MD-11 fleet. The plan for Western Global’s MD-11 aircraft remains uncertain. Irrespective of challenges faced in grounding the MD-11s, Boeing has found solutions to address safety concerns effectively while ensuring operational integrity through part replacements and enhanced inspections.