Engine Failure Suspected As MD-11 Goes Down In Flames 

A fully loaded UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 headed from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu, Hawaii, crashed shortly after takeoff and went down in a large fireball with at least 9 confirmed dead and 11 injured. An uncontained engine failure is suspected, according to a former Department of Transportation Inspector General.

A photo of an engine lying alongside the takeoff runway is being reviewed by investigators but it is not yet clear whether it detached after the crash or actually caused it.

In remarks to the media, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the number of dead and injured could go higher as the investigation continues. The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (KSDF) was closed for a time immediately following the crash but it has since reopened and flights have resumed on a limited basis. However, there is still a major backlog of flights delayed since the accident occurred and only one runway is in operation.

The FAA has removed a NOTAM or Notice to Airmen advisory for pilots, meaning the temporary restriction on the use of the airspace around the airport has expired.

The engine was found mostly intact and will be a big help to investigators as they determine what might have caused the MD-11 to go down. Video shows the aircraft barely gaining altitude beyond the runway before going down in flames and raising a large plume of thick black smoke that was visible for miles.

Mary Schiavo, a controversial former Department of Transportation inspector general said, “The fact that that engine came off of the plane before the final impact and fireball” suggests an “uncontained engine failure, meaning the engine spews out parts.”

She added, “They expel from that engine, and the centrifugal force from the engines, the blades spinning, and they can cut through the plane and cut fuel lines. The engines are attached with pylons, with structures that hold it on. But something caused that to detach.”

UPS has issued a statement on the accident that reads, in part:

“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.

“We are engaged with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the accident and are staying in close contact with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts.”

The cargo operator said sorting operations have been halted at its Worldport near the airport, and provided a phone number for family members to call for information.

FMI:  about.ups.com/