UPS plane with engine mount cracks before tragic crash: Investigators share dramatic photos

Federal investigators recently shared striking images of an engine detaching from a UPS cargo plane that tragically crashed in Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported finding indications of cracks in the engine mount of the left wing. The NTSB disclosed details from the flight data recorder, revealing that the MD-11 aircraft had ascended only 30 feet before the crash near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville. Among the casualties were three pilots onboard the plane, as well as 11 individuals on the ground. While the plane had not yet reached the required number of takeoffs and landings for a thorough inspection of critical engine mount parts, it had been inspected in October 2021. Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti expressed concerns about the adequacy of the maintenance schedule following a review of the report. The NTSB released a series of images showing the moment the left engine detached from the aircraft and the subsequent fire on the left wing. UPS Airlines President Bill Moore stated the company is in collaboration with investigators to ascertain the underlying cause of the crash, emphasizing the complex process involved in returning the affected fleet to service. The NTSB had previously recovered the black boxes from the aircraft. In response to the incident, UPS has temporarily grounded its MD-11 fleet and made alternative arrangements for the holiday season operations. Integrated within the crash victims were employees of Grade A Auto, a business impacted by the unfortunate event.