Crash Kills 15, Raises Questions

UPS has retired its fleet of MD-11 cargo aircraft after one of the planes crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, killing all three crew members and 12 people on the ground. The November 4 disaster occurred just outside Muhammad Ali International Airport when the plane’s left engine fell off, causing it to climb only about 30 feet before crashing.

Aircraft Failure or Human Error?

It’s still unclear what caused the engine to detach, but UPS isn’t taking any chances. The company has grounded the entire MD-11 fleet, and it’s unlikely they’ll be back in the air anytime soon. The crash is a stark reminder that even with strict safety protocols, disasters can still happen.

Given the circumstances, it’s surprising the death toll wasn’t higher. The plane came down in a populated area, and it’s a miracle more people weren’t killed. UPS will likely face intense scrutiny in the coming weeks as investigators try to determine what went wrong.