An NTSB investigation into a UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, reveals a potential bearing race defect in the MD-11 aircraft's engine, previously documented by Boeing. The crash, which occurred during takeoff, has raised questions about Boeing's response to the documented failures and UPS's maintenance program for its aging fleet.
by CORY SMITH | The National News DeskFILE - Fire and smoke mark where a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. The UPS jet’s left engine and pylon separated from the wing shortly after airplane rotation during takeoff, according to the A fire ignited on the left engine, and the plane barely got off the ground before crashing into several buildings at the airport.
An update Wednesday from the NTSB said that Boeing, the manufacturer of the MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS, had flagged and documented failures of the same component, a bearing race defect, four times on three different planes in 2011., an aviation safety expert who teaches at the University of North Dakota, said Boeing did what was appropriate years ago when it recommended inspections and offered a redesigned part. However, Boeing’s service bulletin didn’t require the aircraft operators to make any changes to the existing airframes.mid-flight door plug blowoutAdjekum said Boeing has a responsibility to ensure the continuous safety and reliability of its products, including the MD-11s. But he said Boeing and UPS shared responsibility for safety in this case. “I am interested in how UPS incorporated the 2011 service bulletin into its maintenance program,” Adjekum said via email Thursday. “I hope the NTSB investigation delves more into that area of focus and recommends improvements for such an aging fleet.”Adjekum said the age of the aircraft isn’t a big concern, as they can be operated safely with rigorous maintenance. These aircraft undergo extensive overhauls during which they're stripped to bare frames for inspection and upgrades, he said. “However, with its not-too-stellar safety record due to handling challenges and the current accident, I will not be surprised if it has reached the end of its useful cycle,” Adjekum said of MD-11s.Still, he said Boeing needs to do more to reassure investigators and the public over its safety standards. The NTSB, as part of its investigations into the blowout of the Alaska Boeing 737 door, noted that Boeing claimed to have addressed over 70% of action items in commercial airplane production based on employee feedback during quality stand-down sessions and had also increased inspection points, Adjekum said. Boeing also claims to have implemented new documentation requirements and inspection protocols specifically for door plugs and created new positions focused on human factors and quality management, he noted. And Boeing claims to have improved safety reporting systems and conducted mandatory product safety and quality training for all employees.“However, Boeing still has fundamental systemic safety issues to address, and despite the purported changes, earning back trust will require years of sustained cultural transformation, not just procedural adjustments,” Adjekum said.Federal immigration enforcement operations were underway in Kyle and Buda Thursday, with local officials confirming the activity but emphasizing they were not iThe City of Austin is taking legal steps to get a bar on Sixth Street to take action in preventing criminal activity.The motion, obtained by CBS Austin, allegesA board-certified OB/GYN refused to give a direct answer to Sen. Josh Hawley who repeatedly asked her if men can get pregnant during a Congressional hearingApproximately 30 Union Pacific train cars derailed early Thursday about five miles south of Giddings, the company said.The derailment occurred at about 6:30 a.mAmerica is about to celebrate a milestone birthday. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.To celebrate, the largest un
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