A tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky has highlighted serious concerns regarding corporate decision-making that seems to prioritize profits over safety. Attorney Robert Clifford, alongside his team, filed two wrongful death lawsuits on Wednesday, claiming that UPS knowingly continued to fly older aircraft while ignoring necessary safety precautions.
The aircraft, an MD-11 jet, was involved in a fiery crash during takeoff after its left engine detached and fell off. A report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that cracks were discovered at the engine's mounting point, which raised alarm about the age and condition of such aircraft—averaging over 30 years. Clifford stated that the plane was 'old, tired and should have never been taken out of mothballs.' He asserts that inadequate inspection and maintenance routines exemplify a culture that places financial savings over public safety.
In a joint statement, UPS and GE, the manufacturer of the engines, expressed their commitment to safety and offered condolences to the families affected by the tragedy but refrained from commenting on pending litigation.
The Fatalities and Ongoing Legal Battles
The crash claimed the lives of three pilots and 11 individuals on the ground, including Angela Anderson and Trinadette ‘Trina’ Chavez, who were victims of the fire caused by jet fuel. Legal actions are multiplying, with UPS being named in a federal lawsuit recently that alleges negligence and severe misconduct by the delivery giant.
Regulatory authorities have grounded all MD-11s used in cargo operations by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global pending safety inspections. Given that these aircraft are now classified as too risky for operation, experts suggest that replacing them might prove wiser than conducting extensive repairs.
The crash has reignited discussions about airline safety, particularly with aging fleets, as more details and investigations unfold. Clifford noted a concerning parallel to a past catastrophic event, recalling a 1979 American Airlines incident where an MD-11 suffered engine failure in a similar manner, highlighting the potential risks associated with prolonging the operational life of older aircraft.
As the aftermath of this disaster continues to unfold, the legal ramifications and inquiries surrounding the practices of UPS and the maintenance protocols raise fundamental questions about the cost of safety in the integrated logistics industry.
