UPS Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Plane Crash in Louisville
UPS has grounded its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet following a fatal crash on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky, which resulted in at least 14 deaths. The company announced the decision on Friday, citing safety precautions and recommendations from the aircraft manufacturer.
The MD-11 planes comprise 9% of UPS’s air fleet. UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer emphasized the importance of safety for employees and the communities served. NBC News previously reported the grounding, noting that a notification directed pilots to refrain from departing.
FedEx also grounded its 28 MD-11 aircraft amid similar concerns. The UPS flight, en route from Louisville to Honolulu, crashed at approximately 5:15 p.m. while taking off, colliding with an industrial area near the airport, leading to a significant fire and fatalities among the crew and individuals on the ground.
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman reported that the left engine caught fire during takeoff and subsequently detached. The NTSB is leading the investigation.
In a recent update, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the recovery of a 14th victim at the crash site. He expressed condolences for the victims’ families and emphasized ongoing recovery efforts.
UPS, the largest employer in the Louisville area with about 25,000 workers, noted that contingency plans are in place to maintain service despite the grounding. The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as a key hub for UPS’s global air network. FedEx stated it is also implementing strategies to minimize disruptions during this period.