The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily grounded all Boeing MD-11 cargo aircraft. The decision followed a deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that killed 14 people.
The crash occurred when a UPS-operated MD-11 caught fire during takeoff at Louisville International Airport. The plane then hit nearby businesses and exploded. The aircraft burst into flames, causing broad harm and loss of life.
UPS rapidly suspended all operations, including the MD-11 demonstration, while agents inspected the cause of the fiasco. FedEx, before long, followed suit, establishing its own MD-11 armada as a preparatory measure.
The FAA issued a nationwide ban that grounds all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft until detailed safety reviews are concluded. The directive affects about 70 airplanes operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global Airlines.
Preliminary reports show that the crash happened when the plane’s cleared-out motor caught fire and separated from the wing amid takeoff. The flight, carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel for a flight to Hawaii, exploded into a gigantic blast after impact.
Louisville Leader Craig Greenberg confirmed that officials had found all 14 missing individuals, bringing the total fatalities to 14. Another person injured in the incident later died.
Boeing expressed full support for the FAA’s establishment arrangement, stating that they took this step “out of an abundance of caution.” The company included that security remains its top priority.
UPS and FedEx both expressed that they have reinforcement plans in place to proceed with conveyance operations. FedEx said its logistics network can still handle essential deliveries, including medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
UPS also reaffirmed its dedication to employee and community safety.
McDonnell Douglas originally designed the MD-11 aircraft. Boeing later added it to its lineup after merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Deliveries of the demonstration ceased in 2000, and since 2014, UPS has exclusively used it for cargo operations. The plane was first introduced the plane as a passenger aircraft in 1990, and UPS converted it into a cargo jet in 2006.
Investigators continue to examine the cause of the crash, and the FAA confirmed it will keep all MD-11 aircraft grounded until airlines fix every identified safety risk.
