Boeing’s Warning Ignored Prior to Fatal UPS Plane Crash
A recent report has revealed that Boeing had been aware since 2011 of a critical component linked to a tragic crash involving a UPS aircraft that claimed 15 lives last November. The fatal accident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety and the maintenance practices of cargo operators.
Why It Matters
The implications of this revelation extend beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting questions about Boeing’s accountability and the regulatory environment governing aircraft maintenance. As investigations continue, the findings may influence future safety protocols and litigation related to the crash.
Key Developments
- Boeing alerted airlines in 2011 about a component failure that has occurred multiple times on different aircraft.
- The incident involved a three-engine plane that crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in 12 fatalities on the ground and three crew deaths.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated the faulty part, which secures engines to wings, did not initially warrant mandatory repairs.
- Prior maintenance checks failed to identify cracks in the defective components, raising concerns about current maintenance routines.
- All MD-11 models, including related aircraft, have been grounded since the crash, impacting cargo operations.
Full Report
Details of the Crash
On November 4, a UPS plane crashed moments after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The aircraft lost its left engine, only ascending 30 feet off the ground before descending into a fiery wreck. Investigators reported that 12 individuals on the ground and three crew members lost their lives in the accident, marking a significant tragedy for the community.
Boeing’s Warning History
The NTSB disclosed that Boeing had provided guidance in 2011 concerning a part that had previously failed on three aircraft models. While the company suggested that airlines replace potentially defective bearings with an updated design, the issued service bulletin did not enforce obligatory repairs. Consequently, operators were permitted to substitute defective parts with older, unreliable components, which ultimately contributed to the disaster.
Investigation Insights
The investigation has drawn attention to the maintenance protocols in place for such aircraft. NTSB investigators discovered cracks in the engine-supporting parts, which were not detected during routine maintenance checks. The last thorough inspection of these components occurred in October 2021, leaving considerable time until the next scheduled examination—around 7,000 take-offs and landings later.
Statements from Boeing and UPS
In light of the ongoing investigation, a Boeing spokesperson expressed their support for the NTSB’s inquiry, extending condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. Similarly, UPS released a statement expressing profound sadness over the accident, stressing their commitment to assisting in the recovery effort while remaining constrained from commenting further due to the investigation’s parameters.
Context & Previous Events
Historically, airlines ceased operating passenger versions of the MD-11 model years ago; however, cargo carriers like UPS and FedEx have continued to utilize this aircraft. Following the crash, the NTSB’s findings are expected to be influential in forthcoming lawsuits, with the first legal action already filed last month. All MD-11 aircraft, alongside 10 DC-10 variants, have been grounded pending the investigation’s conclusions.
