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UPS Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Fatal Crash, FedEx Follows

11/8/2025

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

UPS Grounds Fleet

United Parcel Service (UPS) grounded its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet after a deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky that killed at least 14 people.
UPS made the decision out of caution based on Boeing's recommendation.
The action affects 9% of UPS's air fleet.
FedEx also announced it would ground its MD-11s.

Summary

UPS Plane Crash

A UPS cargo plane crashed after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, killing 14 people, including three crew members.
The left engine detached during takeoff, igniting a fire that spread to nearby structures.
The National Transportation Safety Board is reviewing the maintenance history, including recent repairs in Texas.
Lawsuits have begun against UPS alleging negligence and emotional distress.

History

Historical Context

The 1996 crash of a FedEx MD-11 in Queens, New York, which killed all aboard, raised alarms about cargo airline safety, as cargo planes represented 9% of aviation accidents that year. Following a recent crash involving UPS's MD-11 fleet, the company grounded its aircraft, highlighting ongoing concerns about maintenance and safety protocols, potentially leading to stricter regulations for cargo airlines.

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UPS Grounds Fleet

United Parcel Service (UPS) grounded its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet after a deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky that killed at least 14 people.
UPS made the decision out of caution based on Boeing's recommendation.
The action affects 9% of UPS's air fleet.
FedEx also announced it would ground its MD-11s.

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