Louisville Air Incident
On Tuesday, a UPS MD-11F cargo aircraft was involved in a takeoff incident at Louisville International Airport, resulting in 14 reported fatalities. The aircraft departed the runway and collided with adjacent business premises, leading to a fire that damaged multiple structures and caused the closure of the airport.
Preliminary findings from the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the aircraft's left engine ignited and detached from the wing during the takeoff sequence. The aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel for a scheduled flight to Hawaii, a factor that contributed to the fire's intensity. Rescue operations are ongoing, with buildings affected by the fire still being searched. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims' families.
Fleet Grounding and Investigation
Following the incident, American cargo carriers UPS and FedEx announced the temporary grounding of their MD-11 cargo aircraft fleets. This decision was made subsequent to a recommendation from manufacturer Boeing to suspend the use of the MD-11 model.
- UPS, which operated 27 MD-11s, stated the grounding impacts 9% of its fleet and was enacted as a precautionary measure. The company also indicated that contingency plans have been implemented to mitigate disruptions to delivery services, prioritizing employee and community safety.
- FedEx confirmed its intention to ground its 28 MD-11 aircraft.
- Boeing stated its recommendation was made "in an abundance of caution" and that it is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the matter.
The full impact of these groundings on global delivery services, executed by two of the world's largest cargo operators, is presently being assessed.
Aircraft Information
The MD-11F aircraft involved in the incident is a triple-engine model. It commenced service 34 years ago as a passenger jet with Thai Airways before its transfer to UPS in 2006. The MD-11 series was originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and subsequently by Boeing after the companies merged in 1997. Production of MD-11 planes concluded in 2000, and their use in passenger service officially ceased in 2014.