UPS FedEx MD-11 Grounded After Kentucky Crash
- Following a fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo plane in Illinois on February 7, 2024, both UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their MD-11 fleets for safety...
- On February 7, 2024, a UPS MD-11 cargo plane, flight number 1354, crashed in a field near Charleston, Illinois, during inclement weather. NBC News reported that the pilot...
- In response to the crash, UPS announced on February 8, 2024, that it was voluntarily grounding its entire fleet of 14 MD-11 aircraft to conduct comprehensive safety inspections.
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UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleets After Kentucky Crash
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Following a fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo plane in Illinois on February 7, 2024, both UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their MD-11 fleets for safety inspections. The incident, which resulted in the death of the pilot, has prompted heightened scrutiny of the aging aircraft type.
The Crash and Immediate Response
On February 7, 2024, a UPS MD-11 cargo plane, flight number 1354, crashed in a field near Charleston, Illinois, during inclement weather. NBC News reported that the pilot was the sole occupant and died at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash.
In response to the crash, UPS announced on February 8, 2024, that it was voluntarily grounding its entire fleet of 14 MD-11 aircraft to conduct comprehensive safety inspections. Reuters detailed the company’s decision, emphasizing a commitment to safety.
FedEx Follows Suit
Shortly after UPS’s announcement, FedEx also announced it was grounding its fleet of 26 MD-11 aircraft for similar inspections. According to The Journal, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution, mirroring UPS’s proactive approach.
Both companies stated that the inspections will focus on critical systems and components, although the specific areas of focus have not been publicly disclosed. the grounding is expected to cause some disruptions to cargo delivery schedules, but both UPS and FedEx are working to minimize the impact.
The MD-11: A History and Safety record
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a three-engine wide-body airliner originally designed for passenger travel but increasingly used for cargo operations in recent years. First entering service in 1990, the MD-11 has a complex safety record. While many incidents have been minor,several high-profile accidents have raised concerns about the aircraft’s design and maintenance.
| Operator | Date of Incident | Location | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | July 30, 1997 | Newark, NJ | MD-11 crashed during landing in severe weather. |
| Swissair | September 2, 1998 | Halifax, NS, Canada | MD-11 crashed during approach, attributed to faulty wiring and a fire. |
| Korean Air | December
|