The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a nationwide grounding of all MD‑11 and MD‑11F cargo aircraft after a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky, involving a UPS-operated freighter that killed at least 14 people.
The crash occurred on November 4, 2025, when the UPS MD‑11 experienced a catastrophic engine failure shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Witnesses reported a left engine detachment and cockpit alarms sounding as the crew attempted to regain control.
In response:
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UPS grounded all 27 MD‑11 aircraft in its fleet, representing roughly 9% of total cargo planes.
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FedEx also suspended operations of its 28 MD‑11 freighters to review safety procedures.
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FAA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring immediate inspection and corrective measures before any MD‑11 aircraft can resume service.
Despite the fleet grounding, Louisville’s ground operations, including UPS Worldport — one of the largest air cargo hubs in the U.S. — continue to run steadily. UPS confirmed that other aircraft types are operating normally, and contingency measures are in place to maintain cargo flow and minimize delays.
The incident has reignited concerns over the aging MD‑11 fleet. These aircraft, many produced before 2000, remain critical for long-haul cargo routes but require rigorous maintenance. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation focusing on the engine separation, cockpit alerts, and crew response during the emergency.
Industry analysts warn that the grounding could impact supply chains, especially for time-sensitive shipments, even though MD‑11s represent a small portion of overall cargo fleets. Airlines and logistics providers are evaluating alternative aircraft deployment and routing to prevent disruptions.
From the FAA’s perspective, the grounding addresses a “potentially widespread safety issue,” indicating the engine failure may not be isolated. Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas, has recommended halting MD‑11 operations until engineering assessments are completed.
While the investigation continues, questions remain about the cause of the crash, the timeline for returning MD‑11s to service, and how cargo carriers will adapt. The aviation industry emphasizes that safety remains paramount, and the MD‑11 grounding is a precautionary step to protect crews, passengers, and ground operations.
For now, Louisville’s hub operations continue without major interruptions, but the human cost of the crash and the temporary loss of MD‑11 cargo capacity underscore the high stakes for both aviation safety and global logistics networks.
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