The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Boeing’s proposed fix for the MD-11 cargo planes, allowing them to return to service after a deadly crash in Kentucky last fall. FedEx resumed flights with the aircraft over the weekend, while UPS has retired its entire fleet of MD-11s.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The FAA cleared Boeing’s modifications for the MD-11s following an extensive review. FedEx, which operates 46 of these planes, began flying them again on Sunday. UPS, which lost three pilots and 12 people on the ground in the November 2023 crash, has retired its MD-11 fleet.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background of the Crash
The crash occurred when the left engine of a UPS MD-11 detached during takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. The plane, bound for Hawaii, was carrying packages and fuel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later revealed that Boeing had documented four previous failures of the spherical bearing that secures the engines to the wings in 2011 but deemed them non-critical.
Boeing’s Fix and FAA Review
Boeing developed a plan to replace the spherical bearing and increase inspections of engine attachment parts. The FAA grounded all MD-11s after the crash but approved the fixes after a thorough review. FedEx stated it worked closely with Boeing, the FAA, and its own experts to ensure compliance with the new safety measures.
Fleet Impact
UPS retired its MD-11s, which made up about 9% of its fleet. FedEx, which had stored more than two dozen of its 46 MD-11s before the crash, remains committed to operating them. Western Global Airlines, another operator of MD-11s, has not publicly commented on the FAA’s decision.
Long-Term Implications
The crash has raised questions about Boeing’s safety protocols and the FAA’s oversight. The NTSB’s findings suggest potential lapses in identifying critical safety risks, though Boeing and the FAA maintain that the fixes address the issue.