Federal investigators have unveiled alarming images of an engine detachment from a tragic UPS cargo plane crash that occurred in Kentucky two weeks ago, resulting in the loss of 14 lives. The photos depict visible cracks in the engine mount of the left wing.
A series of six pictures document the engine separation, showing the engine rear starting to disconnect before rising above the wing in a blaze of fire. A subsequent image captures the wing engulfed in flames as the burning engine flies over it.
The final photo displays the plane attempting to take off but only managing to ascend 30 feet (9.1 meters) above the ground, as per the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report following the Nov. 4 incident in Louisville, Kentucky.
The tragic crash claimed the lives of three pilots aboard the aircraft and an additional 11 individuals on the ground near Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The NTSB indicated that the aircraft was not yet due for a comprehensive inspection of critical engine mount components with fractures, requiring nearly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings before reaching that milestone. The last inspection was conducted in October 2021.
Following the report’s release, former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti remarked that while UPS seemingly adhered to maintenance schedules, the Federal Aviation Administration may now question the adequacy of those timelines.
The timing of when the 34-year-old plane developed the cracks remains uncertain, raising questions about whether they could have been missed during the previous inspection. Aviation expert John Cox described fatigue cracks as typical wear and tear on aircraft, emphasizing the importance of frequent inspections and appropriate maintenance.
The NTSB report unveiled new details, mentioning that an alarm bell sounded approximately 37 seconds after the UPS crew requested takeoff thrust, as captured by the cockpit voice recorder.
Sean Garber, who analyzed the report and whose auto salvage yard near the airport was directly impacted, characterized the tragedy as a man-made human error.
In the aftermath of the crash, all MD-11s used by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global, along with some related DC-10s, were grounded for inspection and repair without the FAA specifying the necessary actions.
Cox highlighted that the airlines face tough decisions, especially considering their plans to retire these planes in the coming years, potentially incurring significant costs for engine inspections or replacements.
UPS and FedEx have stated that MD-11 aircraft constitute around 9% and 4% of their respective fleets. UPS Airlines President Bill Moore recently announced that the company is collaborating with investigators to determine the primary cause of the tragic incident.
