Fiery UPS plane crash could spell the end for MD-11 fleet if the repairs prove too costly

ABC NewsFriday, November 21, 2025 at 10:38:03 PM
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Fiery UPS plane crash could spell the end for MD-11 fleet if the repairs prove too costly
  • A UPS cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from a Kentucky airport on November 5, resulting in a catastrophic fire and the detachment of its left engine. The incident led to the tragic loss of 14 lives and has raised significant concerns about the safety of the MD-11 fleet, particularly regarding the aircraft's aging components and maintenance practices.
  • The crash poses a critical challenge for UPS, as the potential costs of repairs and investigations may lead to the retirement of the MD-11 fleet. This could impact the company's operational capabilities and logistics, as the MD-11 has been a key part of their cargo operations for years.
  • Investigations have revealed that the aircraft had fatigue cracks in its engine mount, raising questions about the maintenance standards and oversight of aging aircraft in the cargo industry. This incident highlights broader safety concerns regarding older aircraft models and the implications for air transport regulations and practices.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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A part that broke on a UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky failed 4 times on other planes years ago
NegativeU.S News
A UPS cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from a Kentucky airport on November 5, resulting in a catastrophic fire and the detachment of its left engine. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that a part which failed had previously failed four times on other planes, raising serious concerns about the aircraft's maintenance history and safety protocols.
A part that broke on a UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky failed 4 times before on different planes
NegativeU.S News
A UPS cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from a Kentucky airport on November 5, resulting in a catastrophic fire and the detachment of its left engine. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a part involved in the incident had previously failed four times on different aircraft, raising serious safety concerns about the aging fleet. Boeing had warned plane owners about this part in 2011 but did not consider it a safety threat at that time.

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