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FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Fatal UPS Crash in Louisville

Investigators are zeroing in on a left engine‑pylon detachment from an aircraft that had recently undergone heavy maintenance.

Overview

  • The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive that prohibits MD-11 and MD-11F flights until inspections are completed and any required fixes are made.
  • UPS and FedEx had already grounded more than 50 MD-11s and say contingency plans are in place to limit delivery disruptions.
  • The NTSB reports the left engine and its pylon separated during takeoff; the recorders were recovered and captured a repeating cockpit bell for about 25 seconds as the jet reached roughly 100 feet.
  • Louisville’s mayor said all people previously reported missing have been accounted for, with the confirmed death toll at 14 as identifications proceed.
  • Investigators are reviewing recent heavy maintenance performed in San Antonio and prior records citing a fuel tank crack and corrosion, while a lawsuit names UPS, Boeing and General Electric.