The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report about the fatal UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released new images showing the fiery moment UPS Flight 2976’s left engine detached while it attempted to take off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Nov. 4.
The images, provided by United Parcel Service (UPS), showed the left engine and pylon separating from the wing as the cargo plane was just feet off the ground, according to the board’s preliminary report released on Nov. 20.
The board confirmed there was evidence of cracks in the left wing’s engine mount.
“After initial cleaning of the fracture surfaces, examination of the left pylon aft mount lug fractures found evidence of fatigue cracks in addition to areas of overstress failure,” the report stated.
A “general visual inspection” and “detailed visual inspection” of the left pylon aft mount was last done Oct. 29, 2021, and it was not yet due for another one, the NTSB shared.
But the board was not able to pinpoint when the cracks started developing.
The MD-11 cargo plane did not get higher than about 30 feet above ground level before it cleared a fence and crashed into Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, located just outside of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The crash, which left a half-mile-long debris field, killed 14 people, including a 3-year-old girl who was shopping with her grandmother.
At least 23 others were hurt during the crash, including two with serious injuries.
“We continue to grieve for the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 2976,” UPS wrote in a statement on Nov. 20.
The global shipping company is the largest employer in Louisville. The city is also home to UPS Worldport, the world’s largest UPS shipping site.
“Before the FAA issued its Emergency Airworthiness Directive for all MD-11 operators, UPS proactively grounded its MD-11 fleet out of an abundance of caution.
“We appreciate the National Transportation Safety Board’s prompt release of preliminary findings and will fully support the investigation through its conclusion.”
By Jacki Thrapp
