Overview
- UPS said it temporarily grounded its MD-11 freighters, about 9% of its fleet, and FedEx also paused MD-11 operations following Boeing’s recommendation for operators to suspend flights.
- Louisville officials confirmed a 14th fatality at the crash site, and the Jefferson County coroner continues work to identify victims, including those found in the debris field.
- NTSB officials said video and evidence indicate a left-wing fire and the detachment of an engine during takeoff; the cockpit voice recorder captured a repeating warning bell for the final 25 seconds as the crew tried to control the jet.
- The NTSB is reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history, including recent work in San Antonio and FAA records noting a prior crack in a center wing fuel tank area, while cautioning there is no current evidence maintenance caused the crash.
- Authorities detailed extensive ground damage over roughly a half-mile, with destroyed businesses and ongoing environmental cleanup, and local sewer officials warned residents to avoid potentially contaminated waterways near the site.