The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released new video footage on Tuesday showing the moment an engine separated from a UPS cargo plane during a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky, in November 2025. The incident, which killed 15 people—including three crew members and 12 individuals on the ground—occurred when UPS Flight 2976, a Boeing MD-11F, lost its left engine shortly after takeoff. The NTSB also revealed that the flight crew had been reassigned to the plane after their original aircraft was grounded due to a fuel leak.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The NTSB investigation determined that metal fatigue caused the failure of a component attaching the engine to the wing. The agency also disclosed that UPS did not take additional action after reviewing a 2011 Boeing notice flagging structural failures on the MD-11 model. UPS has since retired the MD-11 from its fleet, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded the aircraft type following the crash.
Deeper Dive & Context
Crew Reassignment and Maintenance Issues
The NTSB reported that the crew was reassigned to the MD-11F after their original plane, also an MD-11, was taken out of service due to a fuel leak. The replacement aircraft, N259UP, experienced the catastrophic engine failure during takeoff. The NTSB noted that the crew followed standard UPS departure procedures before the incident.
Investigation Findings
The NTSB’s two-day hearing in Washington, D.C., focused on the structural integrity of the MD-11. Investigators highlighted evidence of cracks in the left wing’s engine mount, which contributed to the engine detachment. The agency also emphasized that UPS did not act on Boeing’s 2011 notice, which UPS stated did not require immediate action.
Public and Corporate Response
UPS issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to supporting the investigation and honoring the victims. The company has since retired all MD-11 aircraft from its fleet. The FAA’s grounding of the model followed the crash, pending further safety reviews.
Long-Term Implications
The incident has raised questions about aircraft maintenance protocols and the handling of safety notices by airlines. The NTSB’s findings may influence future regulatory measures for aging aircraft fleets and the implementation of structural integrity checks.