Ups incident, all cargo companies ground MD-11s
The death toll rises to 14 while the search is still on for those missing in the debris. Around 50 aircraft are still in the carriers' fleets
by Mara Monti
UPS the international freight forwarding company and FedEx have grounded their fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft on Boeing's recommendation after the plane exploded on takeoff killing at least 14 people, while the search for the missing is still ongoing, in Louisville, Kentucky. UPS said the shutdown is 'due to an excess of caution' and will affect about 9% of its fleet, according to the company. FedEx followed suit, stating that the MD-11 accounts for about 4% of its aircraft.
Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, confirmed that it has advised all three operators of the MD-11 Freighter to suspend flight operations while the investigation is carried out. Safety is the 'top priority', it said, adding that it continues to coordinate with the FAA.
Both UPS and FedEx emphasised that contingency plans are underway to minimise disruption to customers. Western Global Airlines is the third largest operator of MD-11s, according to Cirium data. UPS has a fleet of 295 aircraft, including 27 MD-11s. FedEx said it has about 700 aircraft in its fleet, with 28 MD-11s in service.
According to the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), the left engine caught fire and detached from the wing during take-off. The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel as it took off in addition to cargo for a long flight to Hawaii, which contributed to the extent of the fire after the accident.
Saccording to the latest reconstructions from the recordings of the recovered black boxes, the pilots would have carried out a normal take-off procedure. After 37 seconds, the recordings record the sound of an alarm ending 25 minutes later, probably as a result of the crash. A very short take-off of just over a minute before the impact caused by the detachment of the left engine, which would have stuck to the pylon and damaged the left wing. During the NTSB press conference, it was confirmed that the aircraft was grounded in San Antonio from 3 September to 18 October for a 'heavy check,' a routine maintenance procedure.
