Federal investigators released photos showing the left engine detaching from the UPS MD-11 cargo plane moments after takeoff at Louisville International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025.
The engine mount on the left wing had visible cracks, which likely contributed to the engine separation and subsequent crash.
The big picture: The plane reached only about 30 feet above ground before the engine detached and the wing caught fire, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report.
- All three crew members aboard the plane died, along with 11 people on the ground near Muhammad Ali International Airport, totaling 14 fatalities.
- The MD-11 aircraft involved was 34 years old and not yet due for a detailed inspection of the engine mount parts where fractures were discovered; the last inspection occurred in October 2021.
- Experts say cracks in engine mounts can result from normal wear and tear, prompting questions about inspection frequency and maintenance adequacy.
Zoom in: The NTSB’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders indicate that an alarm was triggered about 37 seconds after takeoff thrust was requested, signaling a critical failure.
- All MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global have been grounded pending inspections and repairs following the crash; the FAA has yet to specify inspection requirements.
- UPS Airlines is cooperating fully with investigators to determine the precise cause and develop inspection and repair protocols before returning the MD-11 fleet to service.
