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NTSB Reveals Fatigue Cracks, UPS Retires MD-11 Fleet

5/20/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The NTSB released 2,000 pages and opened a hearing on the Nov 4, 2025 UPS MD-11 crash that killed 15.
Investigators found fatigue cracks and overstress failure in the left engine pylon’s aft mount lugs and bearing race.
Boeing recorded four similar MD-11 bearing failures in 2011, deemed them non-critical, leading the FAA to issue no airworthiness directive.
UPS grounded all MD-11s after the crash and announced retirement of its MD-11 fleet.

History

Historical Context

On 12 August 1985 a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 crashed into Mount Takamagahara, killing 520 people. The disaster traced to a faulty Boeing repair after a 1978 tail-strike that failed after 12,318 flights, making it aviation’s deadliest single-aircraft accident. The tragedy spurred nationwide passenger declines, prompted major safety reforms, and led to Japan’s Safety Promotion Center.

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Story summary

The NTSB released 2,000 pages and opened a hearing on the Nov 4, 2025 UPS MD-11 crash that killed 15.
Investigators found fatigue cracks and overstress failure in the left engine pylon’s aft mount lugs and bearing race.
Boeing recorded four similar MD-11 bearing failures in 2011, deemed them non-critical, leading the FAA to issue no airworthiness directive.
UPS grounded all MD-11s after the crash and announced retirement of its MD-11 fleet.

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