UPS plane component failed due to stress and fatigue cracks - NTSB prelim report.

The National Transportation Safety Board has shared initial findings from the tragic UPS airplane crash in Louisville. The report includes newly released photos of the aircraft catching fire, a detailed analysis of the flight trajectory, illustrations of the airplane components, and more. To access the complete report, click here. Of particular note is an image illustrating the sequence of events during takeoff, depicting the left engine and pylon detaching from the wing and igniting. The investigation found signs of wear and damage on the pylon, the component connecting the engine to the wing. The NTSB also disclosed the discovery of "fatigue cracks" on the left pylon's aft mount lugs and a fractured aft spherical bearing race, along with instances of overstress failure. Notably, these parts were visually inspected in 2021, but the crash occurred before their next scheduled check-up. The report also identifies First Officer Lee Truitt from Albuquerque, NM, as the pilot at the controls during the accident. However, the report does not pinpoint the crash's cause, noting that the inquiry is still ongoing and an official determination may take up to a year. The tragic incident took place on Nov. 4 as the cargo plane was departing from Louisville's airport, resulting in the loss of fourteen lives and injuries to numerous individuals. Following the crash, both UPS and the FAA decided to ground MD-11s, the aircraft model involved in the accident.