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UPS says Boeing guidance led carrier not to adopt enhanced MD-11 inspections before fatal crash
Fox Business • • business
Key Points:
- UPS stated it relied on Boeing's assessment that a known engine mount issue was not a flight safety risk, leading the company not to adopt enhanced inspections before the fatal 2025 Louisville cargo plane crash.
- The crash of UPS Flight 2976 involved the separation of the left engine and pylon shortly after takeoff, resulting in 15 fatalities and 23 injuries; the NTSB has yet to release its final report.
- UPS maintained it followed all Boeing and FAA-approved maintenance programs, noting Boeing's service letters described the engine mount issue as non-safety-critical and did not update maintenance schedules accordingly.
- Boeing acknowledged issuing service letters recommending enhanced inspections but concluded the issue was not a safety concern based on available information, emphasizing operators' responsibility for fleet maintenance in coordination with regulators.
- Both UPS and Boeing continue cooperating with the NTSB investigation, with Boeing working on updated inspection procedures, a redesigned spherical bearing, and improvements to its operational safety process.
