UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Planes After Fatal Louisville Crash
Published 7 November 2025
Highlights
- UPS and FedEx have grounded their MD-11 cargo planes following a crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that resulted in 13 confirmed deaths.
- The crash occurred when a UPS MD-11 plane lost an engine during takeoff, leading to a fire and explosion at Louisville International Airport.
- The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, focusing on the plane's maintenance history and recent repairs in Texas.
- UPS has stated that the grounding of 9% of its fleet is a precautionary measure, with contingency plans to maintain delivery services.
- Black boxes from the crashed plane have been recovered and will be analyzed to understand the sequence of events leading to the accident.
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Rewritten Article
Title: UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Planes After Fatal Louisville Crash
In the wake of a tragic plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that claimed 13 lives, major American delivery firms UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes. The decision follows a catastrophic incident on Tuesday when a UPS MD-11 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in a massive fire at Louisville International Airport.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The ill-fated flight saw its left engine catch fire and detach from the wing during takeoff, leading to a fiery explosion that engulfed nearby buildings. The aircraft, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, was en route to Hawaii. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed his condolences, stating, "We pray for each of the victims' families and pray that no additional victims are lost."
Grounding of MD-11 Fleets
UPS announced the grounding of its MD-11 fleet, which constitutes about 9% of its aircraft, citing an "abundance of caution" and recommendations from Boeing, the manufacturer. FedEx has confirmed it will follow suit. Despite the grounding, UPS assured that contingency plans are in place to continue service, emphasizing the safety of employees and communities.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the crash, focusing on the aircraft's maintenance history. The plane had been in San Antonio, Texas, for repairs from early September to mid-October. The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and data recorder, which will be crucial in piecing together the events leading to the crash.
Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
The crash has deeply affected the Louisville community, with UPS pledging support for those impacted. Operations at the UPS Worldport resumed shortly after the incident, and all runways at the airport are now open. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its services.
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Scenario Analysis
The grounding of MD-11 planes by UPS and FedEx could have significant implications for cargo operations, potentially affecting delivery timelines. As the NTSB continues its investigation, findings could lead to broader safety reviews and regulatory changes in the aviation industry. Experts suggest that the analysis of the black boxes will be pivotal in understanding the mechanical failures that led to the crash, potentially influencing future aircraft maintenance protocols. The aviation community will be closely monitoring the outcomes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the wake of a tragic plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that claimed 13 lives, major American delivery firms UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes. The decision follows a catastrophic incident on Tuesday when a UPS MD-11 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in a massive fire at Louisville International Airport.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The ill-fated flight saw its left engine catch fire and detach from the wing during takeoff, leading to a fiery explosion that engulfed nearby buildings. The aircraft, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, was en route to Hawaii. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed his condolences, stating, "We pray for each of the victims' families and pray that no additional victims are lost."
Grounding of MD-11 Fleets
UPS announced the grounding of its MD-11 fleet, which constitutes about 9% of its aircraft, citing an "abundance of caution" and recommendations from Boeing, the manufacturer. FedEx has confirmed it will follow suit. Despite the grounding, UPS assured that contingency plans are in place to continue service, emphasizing the safety of employees and communities.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading an investigation into the crash, focusing on the aircraft's maintenance history. The plane had been in San Antonio, Texas, for repairs from early September to mid-October. The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and data recorder, which will be crucial in piecing together the events leading to the crash.
Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
The crash has deeply affected the Louisville community, with UPS pledging support for those impacted. Operations at the UPS Worldport resumed shortly after the incident, and all runways at the airport are now open. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its services.
What this might mean
The grounding of MD-11 planes by UPS and FedEx could have significant implications for cargo operations, potentially affecting delivery timelines. As the NTSB continues its investigation, findings could lead to broader safety reviews and regulatory changes in the aviation industry. Experts suggest that the analysis of the black boxes will be pivotal in understanding the mechanical failures that led to the crash, potentially influencing future aircraft maintenance protocols. The aviation community will be closely monitoring the outcomes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
