UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleets After Deadly Louisville Crash
Grounding decision follows tragic crash
UPS and FedEx announced that they are temporarily grounding their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD‑11 freighters after the crash of a UPS MD-11 at the company’s hub in Louisville, Kentucky.
The crash, which occurred on Nov. 4, 2025, resulted in at least 14 fatalities—including the three-person flight crew.
In a statement, UPS said the grounding was made “proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer.”
Details of the fleet and the aircraft
The MD-11 freighters make up roughly 9 % of UPS’s airline fleet and about 4 % of FedEx’s fleet.
Prior to the crash, UPS reportedly operated about 27 MD-11s, and FedEx around 28.
The specific plane in question — an MD-11 built in 1991 — had undergone maintenance in September to repair a fuel-tank crack and resumed operations in October.
What happened at take-off
According to investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane reached only about 100 feet before losing an engine and crashing in flames.
The cockpit voice recorder revealed that a warning bell sounded 37 seconds after take-off thrust application, as the crew struggled to control the aircraft.
Video footage showed the left wing ablaze and the left engine had detached prior to impact
Implications for safety and supply chains
By grounding their MD-11 fleets, UPS and FedEx are sending a strong signal about prioritizing safety—even at the expense of short-term operational disruption.
Given the central role both carriers play in global logistics—serving major retailers and transporting mail and packages—any disruption could ripple through supply chains.
The crash also draws attention to the ageing nature of cargo aircraft fleets. The MD-11 program ended in 2000, and this was the first fatal MD-11 crash since 2009.
Both airlines now must manage the grounding while maintaining cargo flows, and the manufacturer Boeing and regulators will monitor the investigation closely.
What happens next
The NTSB is leading the investigation, looking into why the warning alarm sounded, why the engine detached and what maintenance history may have contributed.
UPS and FedEx will conduct thorough safety reviews before returning any MD-11 to service. The exact timeline is unclear.
In the meantime, alternate aircraft and routing plans will be used to mitigate cargo delays.
