Boeing Warned of Potential Safety Risks Related to UPS Cargo Plane Crash
Overview of the Incident
In a tragic incident on November 6, 2025, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of three pilots and twelve individuals on the ground. The MD-11 aircraft, which was en route to Hawaii, lost its left engine during its ascent, leading to a catastrophic failure as it reached a speed of 200 mph.
Historical Warnings About Engine Part
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that Boeing had notified plane owners in 2011 regarding issues with a compstartnt critical to securing the engines on MD-11 aircraft. Despite recognizing that there had been four previous failures of this part, Boeing assessed at the time that it did not pose a safety risk. This particular part, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas before Boeing’s acquisition of the company, was key in holding the engines to the wings.
The NTSB’s investigation identified cracks in the parts that secured the engine to the aircraft. These defects had not been detected during routine maintenance checks, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the established maintenance schedules. The last detailed inspection of these compstartnts occurred in October 2021, with the next scheduled examination set for approximately 7,000 takeoffs or landings later.
Similarities to Past Crashes
The circumstances surrounding the UPS crash echo a devastating accident in 1979 when an American Airlines DC-10 lost an engine during takeoff, leading to the deaths of 273 passengers and crew. The DC-10, a predecessor to the MD-11, was grounded following the incident, but investigations determined that improper maintenance practstarts were the root cause rather than a design flaw.
While conducting inspections, former FAA and NTSB investigator Jeff Guzzetti expressed concern over Boeing’s 2011 servstart bulletin, which he felt did not adequately address the severity of the risks associated with the engine part failures.
Investigative Developments
The 2011 servstart bulletin recommended replacing the faulty bearings with redesigned compstartnts, yet allowed for the continued use of older bearings that were more prstart to failure. As the investigation progresses, the NTSB will examine whether Boeing’s recommendations constituted a sufficient response to the potential risks outlined.
Investigators discovered the broken part at the accident site, which had fractured into two pieces. Simultaneous analysis of the flight data and cockpit vostart records has been conducted as part of a broader inquiry into the causes of the engine failure.
Legal Implications
As investigations proceed, preliminary findings have already been cited in lawsuits filed regarding the crash. Legal representatives have suggested that there were multiple indications of potential failure that could have been addressed prior to the incident. Attorney Brad Cosgrove indicated that any reasonable organization should have acted on prior warnings to avert this tragedy.
Ongoing Impact and Future Considerations
Following the crash, all MD-11 aircraft, along with ten related DC-10s, have been grounded pending further investigation. Observers note that the 34-year-old MD-11 fleet may have exceeded its operational lifespan as advancements in aviation technology have rendered these older models less efficient.
Conclusion
In light of the NTSB’s findings, the spotlight is increasingly focused on Boeing’s past assessments and the willingness of UPS to adapt its maintenance protocols accordingly. The final conclusions of the NTSB will likely influence future regulations and operational standards surrounding aging aircraft.