Podcast: MD-11 Crash—What Clues Were Missed?

Editors discuss new details released by the NTSB into the fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 last November including flaws in a Boeing safety analysis.

Read Sean's story here: UPS Accident Probe Finds Trail Of Missed Clues

Subscribe Now

Don't miss a single episode of the award-winning Check 6. Follow us in Apple PodcastsSpotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Discover all of our podcasts at aviationweek.com/podcasts


AI-Generated Summary

The podcast discusses the tragic accident involving a United Parcel Service cargo plane that crashed shortly after takeoff at Louisville International Airport, resulting in the loss of all three pilots and twelve people on the ground. The investigation reveals a series of missed clues over the past 25 years that contributed to the crash. The focus is on a part within the engine attachment that failed, which had been a known issue since 2002. 

Despite warnings, the seriousness of the problem was not adequately communicated by Boeing, leading to insufficient preventive measures by operators like UPS. The discussion highlights the importance of effective communication between manufacturers, airlines and regulatory bodies to prevent such accidents. 

The podcast also discusses parallels with a similar incident in 1979 involving a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, noting similarities and key differences. The conversation touches on the current status of MD-11 aircraft, which are primarily used as freighters, and the logistical challenges faced by operators like FedEx in maintaining these aging fleets. 

The hosts commend the efforts of investigative bodies like the NTSB in providing transparency and stress the importance of accurate reporting in aviation safety.

Key Topics:

  • UPS Cargo Plane Crash Investigation
  • Engine Attachment Failure
  • Historical Parallels with 1979 DC-10 Crash
  • MD-11 Aircraft Fleet Status
  • FedEx's Operational Challenges
  • Role of Investigative Bodies
  • Importance of Accurate Aviation Reporting
     
Joe Anselmo

Joe Anselmo has been Editorial Director of the Aviation Week Network and Editor-in-Chief of Aviation Week & Space Technology since 2013. Based in Washington, D.C., he directs a team of more than two dozen aerospace journalists across the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Sean Broderick

Senior Air Transport & Safety Editor Sean Broderick covers aviation safety, MRO, and the airline business from Aviation Week Network's Washington, D.C. office.

Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.