The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes after a deadly UPS cargo crash in Louisville, Kentucky. The November 4, 2025 crash of UPS Flight 2976 killed fourteen people, including three crew members.
Engine Failure Led to Deadly Crash
The MD-11F aircraft reportedly lost its left engine and pylon just after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The detached parts caused a massive fire before the plane crashed into nearby buildings, destroying property and lives.
FAA Issues Emergency Directive
The FAA released an Emergency Airworthiness Directive, requiring all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft to undergo immediate inspection and repair. The agency stated that the same fault might exist in other planes of the same model and called the move a safety precaution.
UPS and FedEx Ground Fleets
UPS and FedEx, the largest MD-11 cargo operators, have grounded their fleets. UPS has 27 MD-11Fs—around nine percent of its total aircraft—while FedEx operates 28. Western Global Airlines also flies several MD-11s. Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, supported the grounding as a necessary safety step.
NTSB Investigates the Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe. Investigators recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Early findings show a warning alarm went off seconds after takeoff as the pilots tried to regain control before the crash.
Grounding Affects Cargo Operations
The grounding has disrupted logistics at a critical time in the shipping season. The MD-11, an older aircraft type now retired from production, is being replaced by newer and more reliable models such as the Boeing 767.
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