Archive · 21 Nov 2025
UPS Plane Crash: Cracks in Engine Mount, Fire Before Impact
A UPS cargo plane crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, killing three crew members and 11 people on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found cracks in the left wing's engine mount and reported that a fire started near the left pylon before the plane hit the ground.
The 34-year-old plane had several fatigue cracks and fractures.
The NTSB is still investigating, and a final report is expected in 18 to 24 months.
Cracks found in left wing's engine mount of UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky
Plane only got 9.1 meters off the ground before crashing on November 4
Fire ignited near left pylon attachment to the wing, continued until impact
34-year-old plane had fatigue cracks and fractures
NTSB recovered cockpit voice recorders, engine, and pylon; final report in 18-24 months
- Who
- UPS cargo plane crew and people on the ground
- What
- Crashed and burned in Louisville, Kentucky
- When
- November 4, 2022
- Where
- Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Why
- Preliminary findings suggest cracks in engine mount and a fire before impact
Maintenance Issues
Aging Aircraft
Maintenance History
Maintenance Issues
A detailed visual inspection was performed in October 2021, but the part failed before its scheduled maintenance interval.
Aging Aircraft
The plane was 34 years old and had been converted into a freighter about 20 years ago.
- Plane Type
- MD-11
- Age of Plane
- 34 years old
- Fatalities
- 14 (3 crew, 11 on the ground)
- Injured
- 23
- Expected Final Report
- 18-24 months
Sources
UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky had cracks in engine mount, says preliminary investigation report
UPS Plane Crash: What The NTSB Preliminary Report Says About The Engine Failure
UPS Plane That Crashed Had ‘Fatigue Cracks’ in Engine Mount
