Louisville, Kentucky, January 16, 2026
An investigation into the crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville has revealed that Boeing knew about previous failures of a crucial engine component. The incident led to the deaths of 15 individuals and raised serious questions about maintenance practices and safety assessments. Despite documented failures, Boeing did not previously recognize the component as a safety threat. The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation as lawsuits are filed and MD-11 aircraft are grounded.
Louisville, Kentucky: Boeing Identifies Previous Failures in Part Linked to Fatal UPS Plane Crash
Louisville, Kentucky – A recent investigation into the November 2025 crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville has revealed that Boeing had previously documented four failures of a critical engine component on other aircraft. Despite these incidents, Boeing did not consider the part a safety threat at the time.
Details of the November 2025 Crash
On November 4, 2025, a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The left engine detached from the wing, leading to a fatal impact that resulted in the deaths of three crew members and 12 individuals on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Previous Failures of the Engine Component
In 2011, Boeing issued a service letter acknowledging four prior failures of a spherical bearing race—a component that secures the MD-11’s engines to the wings—on three different aircraft. Despite these failures, Boeing determined that the issue did not pose a safety risk. The part had not been closely inspected since 2021 and was not scheduled for another detailed check for thousands of flight cycles.
Maintenance and Inspection Concerns
The NTSB’s investigation has raised questions about the adequacy of maintenance schedules. The last detailed inspection of the engine mount parts occurred in October 2021, with the next scheduled for approximately 7,000 more takeoffs and landings. Cracks in some of these parts were found but had not been detected during regular maintenance checks.
Historical Context and Comparisons
This incident echoes the 1979 crash of an American Airlines DC-10 in Chicago, where the left engine detached during takeoff, resulting in 273 fatalities. That crash led to the worldwide grounding of DC-10s. The MD-11, a successor to the DC-10, shares similar design elements, prompting comparisons between the two incidents.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the cause of the November 2025 crash. Lawsuits have been filed, and the grounding of the MD-11 and related DC-10 fleets remains in effect. Boeing and UPS have expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and are cooperating with the investigation.
About the MD-11 Aircraft
The MD-11, a 34-year-old aircraft at the time of the crash, was once a mainstay in commercial aviation but has been largely replaced by more efficient models. However, it continues to be used by cargo carriers like UPS and FedEx. Following the crash, all MD-11s and related DC-10s have been grounded pending further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the UPS plane crash in Louisville?
The crash was caused by the detachment of the left engine from the wing, leading to a fatal impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the exact cause.
Had the engine component failed before?
Yes, Boeing documented four previous failures of the spherical bearing race—a component that secures the MD-11’s engines to the wings—on three different aircraft prior to the November 2025 crash.
Why wasn’t the engine component considered a safety threat earlier?
In 2011, Boeing determined that the failures did not pose a safety risk. However, the NTSB’s investigation has raised questions about the adequacy of this assessment and the maintenance schedules in place.
What is the status of the MD-11 aircraft following the crash?
All MD-11s and related DC-10s have been grounded pending further investigation into the cause of the crash.
What is the NTSB’s role in this investigation?
The NTSB is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash and to make safety recommendations to prevent future incidents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4, 2025 |
| Fatalities | 15 people, including 3 crew members and 12 individuals on the ground |
| Engine Component Involved | Spherical bearing race securing the engine to the wing |
| Previous Failures | 4 documented failures of the same component on other aircraft prior to the crash |
| Maintenance Concerns | Last detailed inspection in October 2021; next scheduled inspection in approximately 7,000 more takeoffs and landings |
| Historical Comparison | Similar to the 1979 DC-10 crash in Chicago, where the left engine detached during takeoff, resulting in 273 fatalities |
| Aircraft Status | All MD-11s and related DC-10s grounded pending further investigation |
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