Federal investigators have unveiled alarming photographs showing an engine separating from a UPS cargo plane that tragically crashed in Kentucky, resulting in 14 fatalities. The images depict cracks in the left wing’s engine mount.
A series of six images capture the engine detaching from the rear and soaring over the wing in flames. Subsequently, the wing is engulfed in fire as the burning engine rises above it.
Reports from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that the MD-11 aircraft attempted to take off but only managed to ascend 30 feet (9.1 meters) before crashing. The preliminary findings from the flight data recorder shed light on the events of the November 4 incident near Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The crash claimed the lives of three pilots on board and 11 individuals on the ground. According to the NTSB, the aircraft had not yet undergone a detailed inspection for key engine mount parts with fractures, as it required nearly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings before the inspection was due. The last examination took place in October 2021.
Following the release of the report, former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti raised concerns about the adequacy of maintenance time frames set by UPS and the FAA. Questions arose about when the cracks began developing on the aging plane and whether they were overlooked in previous inspections.
Aviation expert John Cox explained that fatigue cracks are a common occurrence due to the vibrations experienced during flight. The frequency of inspections and maintenance procedures for such parts remains a critical consideration.
New details from the NTSB report, including the activation of an alarm bell shortly after takeoff, offer insights into the tragic sequence of events. Sean Garber, whose property was affected by the crash, described it as a result of human error.
In response to the incident, MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global have been grounded for inspection and potential repairs. The FAA has yet to specify the necessary actions to be taken.
With plans to retire these planes in the coming years, airlines are facing tough decisions regarding the cost implications of engine inspections and replacements. UPS and FedEx have disclosed that MD-11 aircraft account for a small percentage of their fleets.
UPS Airlines President Bill Moore has confirmed ongoing collaboration with investigators to determine the primary cause of the crash.
