13
5
The UPS plane crash in Louisville was caused by the failure of a critical part that led to the left engine detaching from the wing shortly after takeoff. This incident occurred in November 2025 and resulted in the deaths of 15 people. Investigators identified the failed part as a bearing that had previously been flagged for safety concerns.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough investigation into the UPS crash by examining the wreckage, analyzing flight data, and reviewing maintenance records. They pinpointed the exact part that failed and assessed its history, including prior warnings issued by Boeing about its potential flaws. The investigation aimed to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
The part that failed in the UPS cargo plane was a bearing associated with the engine mount, which had been identified as problematic in previous incidents. This specific bearing was critical for securing the engines to the aircraft's wings, and its failure directly contributed to the engine detaching during takeoff.
Boeing issued warnings about the flawed part in 2011, indicating that it had failed on multiple aircraft. However, Boeing did not classify it as a safety threat at the time, which meant that no mandatory repairs were required. This lack of urgency in addressing the issue has been scrutinized following the crash.
The crash of the UPS cargo plane resulted in 15 fatalities. The incident, which took place shortly after takeoff in Louisville, is one of the deadliest aviation accidents involving a cargo flight in recent years, highlighting significant safety concerns in aircraft maintenance and oversight.
The NTSB plays a crucial role in aviation safety by investigating transportation accidents, including aircraft crashes. Their responsibilities include determining the causes of accidents, making safety recommendations, and providing insights to prevent future incidents. The NTSB's findings can lead to changes in regulations, practices, and aircraft design.
The failed part had been associated with at least four previous incidents on different aircraft before the UPS crash. These earlier failures raised concerns about the reliability of the part, yet Boeing had not deemed it necessary to enforce mandatory repairs, which contributed to the tragic outcome of the November 2025 crash.
Boeing's warning process involves identifying potential issues with aircraft components and communicating these concerns to operators. However, these warnings do not always lead to mandatory corrective actions. In the case of the failed part, Boeing issued alerts but did not classify the issue as a safety risk, limiting the urgency of required repairs.
The problematic part affected the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, among others. This model has been in service for several years, and the repeated failures of this specific part on different MD-11s raised significant concerns about its design and safety, particularly in light of the recent crash.
Aircraft maintenance is governed by regulations set forth by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. These regulations require regular inspections, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and timely repairs of identified issues. The NTSB's findings can influence these regulations to enhance safety standards in the aviation industry.
