UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleets After Deadly Kentucky Crash, FAA Issues Emergency Directive

Major freight carriers UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes following a devastating crash at the UPS global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This proactive measure was taken after a UPS MD-11 freighter experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff, as reported by CNA.com.tw on November 8, 2025.

The tragic incident, involving UPS Flight 2976 bound for Honolulu, resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including the three pilots aboard and 11 individuals on the ground, according to people.com. The aircraft crashed into an industrial area near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, causing a massive fireball.

Both UPS and FedEx announced their decision to temporarily suspend MD-11 operations "out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety," Seeking Alpha reported on November 8, 2025. This move came at the recommendation of the aircraft's manufacturer, Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997.

Reinforcing the carriers' actions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) subsequently issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The Washington Post stated that this directive prohibits further MD-11 flights until specific inspections and necessary corrective actions are completed.

Initial findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the aircraft's left engine and pylon detached during the takeoff roll, preceding a post-impact fire, avweb reported on November 5, 2025. NTSB investigators have recovered both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage.

The grounding significantly impacts the air cargo giants, as MD-11s constitute approximately 9% of UPS's airline fleet and 4% of FedEx's, according to The Guardian on November 8, 2025. Both companies have stated they are implementing contingency plans to minimize disruptions to their global operations.

• The Tragic Incident and Initial Findings: UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 freighter (registration N259UP), crashed around 5:15 PM EST on November 4, 2025, shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport for Honolulu, Hawaii, as detailed by the NTSB. CCTV footage and initial investigations confirmed that the aircraft's left engine detached from the wing during the takeoff roll, leading to a fiery crash into nearby buildings. The cockpit voice recorder captured a "repeating bell" sound for 25 seconds as the pilots struggled to control the aircraft, Sky News reported on November 9, 2025.

• Manufacturer's Recommendation and Corporate Response: Boeing, which inherited the MD-11 program after merging with McDonnell Douglas, recommended that all three operators of the MD-11 Freighter suspend flight operations for additional engineering analysis, CBS News confirmed on November 8, 2025. UPS and FedEx promptly grounded their MD-11 fleets, citing an "abundance of caution" and a commitment to safety, as reported by Lawrence Journal-World.

• FAA's Emergency Airworthiness Directive: The Federal Aviation Administration's Emergency Airworthiness Directive, issued on November 8, 2025, mandates immediate inspections of all MD-11 aircraft before they can return to service. This order applies to over 100 U.S.-registered aircraft, with the FAA stating that the unsafe condition identified in the crash is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same design, according to ksl.com.

• The MD-11 Aircraft's History and Safety Record: The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, first manufactured in 1988, initially served as a passenger jet before being retired from passenger service in 2014 and converted exclusively for cargo operations. As of November 2025, the MD-11 has been involved in 50 aviation incidents, including 11 hull-loss accidents resulting in 261 fatalities, Wikipedia notes. Previous incidents have been attributed to factors ranging from pilot error to mechanical issues.

• Ongoing Investigation and Focus Areas: The NTSB has deployed a large team of investigators to the crash site, recovering the "black boxes" and focusing on the engine and pylon detachment. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman stated that the investigation will also delve into the aircraft's maintenance history, as the crashed MD-11 had undergone over a month of maintenance in San Antonio until mid-October, The Guardian reported on November 8, 2025.

• Operational and Economic Impact on Carriers: The grounding of MD-11 fleets by UPS and FedEx, which represent significant portions of their air cargo capacity, is expected to cause short-term shipping delays, particularly for express freight, Simple Flying reported on November 8, 2025. Both companies have activated contingency plans to mitigate service disruptions, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining reliable delivery services.

• Broader Implications for Air Cargo and Safety: The incident and subsequent grounding highlight critical safety concerns within the air cargo industry, especially for older aircraft models. The temporary removal of MD-11s from service could strain logistics networks, particularly during peak shipping seasons, and prompt broader reviews of aircraft maintenance and operational protocols across the industry, as noted by Supply Chain Dive on November 8, 2025.

• Victims and Community Response: The crash claimed the lives of all three crew members, identified as Capt Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, along with 11 ground casualties, according to The Guardian. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the rising death toll, and the community has expressed profound grief, with UPS extending sympathies to affected employees and families.