UPS retires fleet of MD-11 aircraft after fatal Kentucky crash killed 15
UPS has made the decision to retire its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes following a tragic crash in Louisville that claimed the lives of 15 people. The CEO, Carol Tome, announced this move during a fourth-quarter earnings call, stating that the company had chosen to expedite its plans to retire all MD-11 aircraft.
The fatal crash occurred on November 4 in Louisville, where the plane crashed during takeoff, resulting in the deaths of the three-person crew onboard and 12 individuals on the ground near the Muhammad Ali International Airport. The left engine of the plane detached from the wing shortly after takeoff, causing the aircraft to only climb about 30 feet before crashing.
As a result of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11s as a safety precaution. The FAA is currently reviewing all the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether MD-11s will be permitted to fly again in the future.
The MD-11 planes accounted for approximately 9% of UPS’s fleet, leading to an after-tax charge of $137 million to write them off. To rebuild their fleet, UPS will be receiving 18 new Boeing 767s over the next 15 months.
During the peak holiday season, UPS had to make adjustments to accommodate the retirement of the MD-11s, including bringing in aircraft from other regions, increasing ground transportation volume, and leasing additional planes. Despite the challenges, Tome expressed gratitude for the support from the Louisville community, business partners, and industry colleagues following the tragic accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation revealed that cracks were found in the parts that secured the engine to the wing of the UPS plane. These cracks had gone unnoticed during regular maintenance checks, with the last inspection of the engine mount parts taking place in 2021.
The crash had a significant impact on Louisville, causing secondary explosions at a nearby recycling plant and damaging an auto salvage yard where many of the victims were either visiting or working. The decision to retire the MD-11 fleet reflects UPS’s commitment to safety and ensuring the well-being of both its crew and the communities it serves.
