Story perspectives

UPS Retires MD-11 Fleet After Fatal Louisville Crash

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A video shows UPS MD-11’s left engine and pylon tearing away from wing after takeoff in Louisville.
UPS announced retirement of all MD-11 aircraft after Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded every MD-11 in United States months.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) scheduled a hearing in Washington, D.C. to examine November 4, 2025 crash.
The crash killed three UPS crew members and twelve people on the ground, including a three-year-old child.

History

Historical Context

The 25 July 2000 crash of Air France Flight 4590, which killed 113 people, was Concorde’s first fatal accident and prompted Air France and British Airways to ground their fleets immediately. Investigators traced the disaster to runway debris that burst a tyre and ruptured a fuel tank. The incident, combined with post-9/11 travel slump, led both airlines to announce Concorde’s retirement in April 2003.

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Story summary

A video shows UPS MD-11’s left engine and pylon tearing away from wing after takeoff in Louisville.
UPS announced retirement of all MD-11 aircraft after Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded every MD-11 in United States months.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) scheduled a hearing in Washington, D.C. to examine November 4, 2025 crash.
The crash killed three UPS crew members and twelve people on the ground, including a three-year-old child.

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