UPS and FedEx Ground MD‑11 Cargo Jets After Fatal Kentucky Crash
United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx have announced the temporary grounding of all MD-11 cargo aircraft in their fleets following a fatal crash of a UPS flight near Louisville, Kentucky, that claimed at least 14 lives. The decision, made early Wednesday, applies to the dozens of MD-11s operated by the two carriers and will remain in effect until the cause of the accident is determined.
The incident occurred on a clear afternoon when a UPS MD-11, operating a routine cargo run, descended unexpectedly and struck the ground shortly after departing from Louisville International Airport. While the exact sequence of events is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, preliminary reports suggest a possible mechanical failure or loss of control during the approach phase. The MD-11, a three‑engine wide‑body aircraft introduced in the early 1990s, has long been a workhorse for high‑volume freight operations, though it has a mixed safety record compared with newer models.
Both logistics companies issued brief statements emphasizing safety as their top priority. UPS said it was “cooperating fully with authorities and has taken precautionary steps to ensure the safety of its crews and cargo.” FedEx added that it “will continue to monitor the investigation and will act in accordance with guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration.” The FAA has confirmed that it is working closely with the NTSB and has not identified any immediate safety concerns affecting other aircraft types.
Industry analysts note that the grounding could disrupt supply chains, especially as e‑commerce demand remains high. While the MD-11 accounts for a relatively small portion of total cargo capacity, its removal may force carriers to shift shipments to newer aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and 777 freighters, potentially leading to temporary delays and higher freight rates. The move also revives discussions about retiring the aging MD-11 fleet, which many operators have already begun to replace.
Investigators are expected to release an interim report within the next two weeks, with a full report likely taking several months. In the meantime, UPS and FedEx are rerouting flights and reallocating cargo to mitigate the impact on customers. The grounding underscores the importance of rigorous safety oversight in an industry that remains critical to global trade and logistics.
