UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleets After Deadly Crash
A tragic incident at UPS’s main aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, has led both UPS and FedEx to temporarily ground their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft. This decision comes after a catastrophic crash on November 6, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 14 lives, including three crew members.
The MD-11s represent 9% of UPS’s fleet and 4% of FedEx’s. In a statement, UPS emphasized that safety is their top priority, adding that the grounding follows a recommendation from the aircraft’s manufacturer. FedEx echoed this sentiment, stating they are conducting a comprehensive safety review.
Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, has not yet provided details on the reasons behind their recommendation.
Details of the Crash
Reports indicate that the MD-11 was attempting to take off when a warning bell sounded in the cockpit. It rang for 25 seconds as the pilots fought to control the plane, which was engulfed in flames and had lost an engine. The plane ultimately crashed spectacularly just after barely lifting off the runway.
Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggested that the bell might have been signaling an engine fire. Jeff Guzzetti, a former federal crash investigator, pointed out that this alarm likely triggered when the plane had passed the point to safely abort the takeoff. They will have to examine the crew’s options closely during the investigation.
Historical Context and User Reactions
As incidents involving cargo planes continue to draw attention, many users on social media have expressed their concerns about air safety, especially with older aircraft models like the MD-11. Statistics reveal that older airplanes have a higher risk of incidents, prompting calls for better regulations and oversight.
In a related note, according to recent FAA data, the number of aviation accidents involving cargo planes has increased by 15% in the past five years, leading to rising anxiety among the public about air freight safety.
Aftermath of the Incident
Despite the grounding of the MD-11s, operations at UPS’s Worldport resumed swiftly, reflecting the urgency in package handling. This hub manages 300 flights daily and processes over 400,000 packages per hour, employing more than 20,000 workers in the region.
As investigations continue, the tragic events at the UPS Worldport have raised critical questions about aircraft safety, maintenance, and operational protocols within the cargo industry. With several media outlets covering the incident, public interest remains high, particularly regarding the wellbeing of workers and the safety of air travel.
Investigation findings will likely take months before they are released, as officials work to gather and analyze data from the incident.
