FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet for Inspections After Deadly UPS Crash

November 9, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764101700229-377

Airworthiness Directive Issued Following Fatal UPS Freight Crash in Louisville

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency airworthiness directive grounding all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft pending structural inspections following the fatal UPS crash in Louisville. The order, issued as Emergency Airworthability Directive 2025-23-51, comes after UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing 14 people. UPS and FedEx had already planned to retire their MD-11 fleets but will now accelerate the process. Western Global Airlines has also parked most of its aircraft. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on engine separation.

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Key Takeaways

The FAA has grounded all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft pending structural inspections.
The order comes after the fatal crash of a UPS freighter in Louisville, killing 14 people.
Inspections must be completed before further flight.
UPS and FedEx had already planned to retire the type in favor of newer, more efficient freighters.

McDonnell Douglas Boeing UPS FedEx Western Global Airlines

Strategic Implications

This development may indicate increased scrutiny of aging aircraft fleets. The FAA’s action could accelerate the retirement of MD-11s from service, potentially disrupting long-haul cargo capacity during peak holiday shipping periods.