UPS and FedEx Ground Their MD-11F Fleets Following Fatal Accident in Louisville
UPS and FedEx announced the temporary suspension of their operations with McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft, following the accident that occurred on Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky, which left at least 14 people dead. Both companies, global leaders in cargo transport, reported that the measure was taken “as a precaution” and following the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Accident Details
The incident involved a UPS MD-11 that crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville International Airport. The aircraft reached approximately 100 feet (30.5 meters) of altitude before plunging in flames off the runway, impacting and destroying two nearby businesses. One of the three engines detached from the left wing while the plane was rolling down the runway.
According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman, Flight 2976 began uneventfully, but 37 seconds after the crew requested takeoff power, a repetitive warning bell was heard on the cockpit voice recorder. The UPS pilots attempted to regain control of the aircraft before impact.
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Affected Fleets and Company Response
FedEx operates 28 MD-11s, while UPS had 27 units before the accident, bringing the total number of aircraft affected by the decision to over 50. Boeing, which acquired the MD-11 program after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, recommended suspending operations of this model. In a statement, the company said it would continue to collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
UPS stated that its MD-11s represent only 9% of its total fleet, while FedEx, with a fleet of 700 aircraft, assured that it is implementing contingency plans to avoid disruptions to its services.
Impact on the Supply Chain
Although the MD-11s do not constitute the majority of the UPS and FedEx fleets, any interruption in their operations can have significant repercussions. Both companies are crucial in the global distribution of goods for retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as for manufacturers and companies in various sectors.
UPS is also the main air transport provider for the United States Postal Service, handling priority products and urgent shipments.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the accident involving the 34-year-old MD-11. The preliminary report on the incident is expected to be released in approximately 30 days. The last accident recorded by UPS occurred in August 2013, when an Airbus A300F crashed during its approach to Birmingham International Airport in Alabama, killing both crew members.
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