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NTSB Reveals Fatigue Cracks in Engine Mount of Crashed UPS MD-11F in Louisville

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The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its first preliminary report on Thursday regarding the accident involving the United Parcel Service (UPS) McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, which occurred last November 4th in Louisville, Kentucky. The document reveals that the left engine mounts exhibited “fatigue cracks.”

Accident: Engine Loss and Immediate Crash

The aircraft, operating from UPS’s main logistics hub in Louisville, lost its left engine during the takeoff phase. According to the report, the plane failed to climb above 30 feet before crashing to the ground. The accident tragically resulted in 14 fatalities, including crew members and people on the ground.

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Striking Images and Initial Findings

The report includes images showing the moment the engine and its pylon detached from the wing, rising into the air engulfed in flames just seconds after the start of takeoff. Investigators have described this visual sequence as striking, emphasizing that this is the first detailed technical account of the event.

Immediate Measures: Temporary Operational Suspension

Following the accident, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the temporary suspension of all flights operated with MD-11F aircraft. This measure will remain in effect until airlines complete the required inspections and implement necessary corrective actions.

The discovery of fatigue cracks in the engine mounts raises questions about the structural integrity of this aircraft model in cargo operations. The investigation is ongoing, and future NTSB reports are expected to shed more light on the exact causes of the accident and the measures that must be taken to prevent similar tragedies.

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