UPS, FedEx Ground MD-11  Jets After Kentucky Air Disaster

UPS, FedEx Ground MD-11  Jets After Kentucky Air Disaster

A KLM  MD-11 Jet Similar to the one that has crashed

UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded dozens of MD-11 cargo aircraft after a deadly crash in Kentucky killed at least 14 people and gutted several buildings near Louisville International Airport.

The UPS jet burst into flames shortly after take-off on Tuesday, colliding with nearby business premises and triggering an inferno that shut down the airport. Boeing, which manufactures the MD-11, urged both cargo giants to suspend operations of the model “out of an abundance of caution.”

UPS confirmed that 9% of its fleet was affected, while FedEx said it had also grounded its 28 MD-11s. Both firms insisted delivery schedules would continue thanks to contingency plans protecting “critical shipments such as lifesaving pharmaceuticals and medical devices.”

The MD-11, first built by McDonnell Douglas in the late 1980s and retired from passenger service in 2014, has faced previous scrutiny over safety concerns. The doomed UPS aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel to Hawaii when its left engine reportedly caught fire and detached mid-takeoff.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said rescue teams were still searching debris for possible victims. “We pray for each of the victims’ families and pray that no additional victims are lost,” he said.

The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the cause of the disaster as Boeing and the FAA coordinate on safety reviews.

Key Takeaways:

1. UPS and FedEx grounded all MD-11 cargo planes after a fatal Kentucky crash.

2. Boeing issued the grounding recommendation as investigators probe an engine fire.

3. The disaster killed at least 14 and forced Louisville Airport to close temporarily.

Source: BBC News

Video from NTSB