In brief
UPS has temporarily grounded its fleet of MD-11 aircraft after a deadly crash at its Louisville facility, which claimed the lives of 14 individuals, including the plane's three pilots. The decision, taken as a precautionary measure, comes at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. Investigations are underway to determine the crash's cause, especially concerning alerts received in the cockpit prior to takeoff.
UPS will ground its fleet of MD-11 planes “out of an abundance of caution” following a deadly crash at its global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, the company announced late Friday.
The MD-11 aircraft make up about 9% of UPS's airline fleet. According to company statements, Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve. The grounding will be temporary, but timelines for the aircraft's return to service remain unclear.
The crash, which occurred at UPS Worldport in Louisville on Tuesday, resulted in 14 fatalities, including the three pilots on board. The aircraft was headed for Honolulu when it encountered issues just shortly after takeoff.
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman reported that a bell sounded in the cockpit just after takeoff, which lasts about 25 seconds as the crew attempted to regain control. Eyewitness accounts detail the plane lifting off the runway with flames visible from its left wing, ultimately resulting in a catastrophic crash that created a fireball.
Investigators have not yet determined the nature of the alarm and are still analyzing the cockpit recordings. Meanwhile, the UPS facility operates around the clock, sorting more than 400,000 packages per hour. Operations resumed in some capacity just days after the incident, as the company looks to manage its logistics and ensure safety moving forward.
