UPS, FedEx Grounding MD-11 Planes Following Deadly Kentucky Crash
After a tragic crash at the UPS global aviation hub in Kentucky, both UPS and FedEx have decided to ground their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes as a precautionary measure. This decision comes after a UPS MD-11 aircraft crashed at the UPS Worldport in Louisville, resulting in the loss of 14 lives, including the three pilots on board.
The MD-11 planes constitute about 9% of the UPS airline fleet and 4% of the FedEx fleet. Both companies have stated that they are following the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer to conduct a thorough safety review before resuming operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash, which occurred when the cargo plane, bound for Honolulu, experienced difficulties during takeoff. The cockpit voice recorder captured a warning bell shortly after the crew called for takeoff thrust. The left wing was on fire, and the engine on that side had detached before the plane crashed into the ground.
Flight records indicate that the MD-11 aircraft had undergone maintenance in San Antonio before the incident. Meanwhile, UPS Worldport, the company’s largest package handling facility, has resumed operations after the tragic event.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it may take months before a full transcript of the cockpit recording is released to the public. Dramatic videos of the crash have provided investigators with multiple angles to piece together what happened during the tragic event.
Overall, safety remains a top priority for both UPS and FedEx, and they are taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being of their employees and the communities they serve.
