LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — In response to a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including three pilots, UPS has chosen to ground its MD-11 aircraft fleet temporarily. The decision to ground the planes was described as 'an abundance of caution' following the fatal crash at the company's global aviation hub in Kentucky.
The MD-11 planes represent around 9% of UPS's airline fleet. A spokesperson from UPS stated, 'We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer,' emphasizing that employee and community safety is their top priority.
The crash occurred earlier in the week when the cargo plane was nearly airborne, losing an engine and its left wing caught fire. National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman revealed that a bell signaled in the cockpit moments before the aircraft began to crash.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the alarm, as the cockpit voice recorder captured the crucial moments leading up to the crash. However, it may take months for investigators to publicly release the transcript of the recording.
Following the crash, which left a significant mark on the community and the company's operations, UPS managed to resume operations at its Worldport facility that handles thousands of packages and flights daily.
Former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti noted that the bell likely indicated an engine fire, stressing that the pilots were past the critical decision speed to safely abort the takeoff. The ongoing investigation will examine the options available to the crew and focus on the possible factors that led to this tragic event.
The recent events at Louisville's UPS hub are a critical juncture for the company, raising both safety concerns and operational implications that will need to be addressed as investigations continue.
