UPS and FedEx grounding MD-11 planes : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- UPS and FedEx are grounding their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes as a precaution following a deadly crash at UPS's global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 14 people, including the three pilots on board.
- The MD-11 aircraft represent about 9% of UPS's fleet and 4% of FedEx's fleet, and both companies are conducting thorough safety reviews based on the aircraft manufacturer's recommendation.
- The crash occurred during takeoff when an alarm bell sounded in the cockpit, and the plane, with a burning left wing and missing engine, failed to gain altitude and crashed, causing a fireball.
- Investigators are analyzing cockpit voice recordings and other evidence but have not yet determined the cause of the alarm
