UPS Omitted Checks on Part Tied to 15 Deaths in Louisville Crash
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
UPS Omitted Checks on Part Tied to 15 Deaths in Louisville Crash
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
Summary
New NTSB documents show UPS never told inspectors to examine the spherical bearing assembly that failed in the Nov. 4 MD-11 crash outside Louisville, even after repeated warnings about the part.
That bearing, housed in the bracket holding a wing engine, failed first, built pressure in the bracket, cracked its lugs and led the left engine to detach, investigators said.
UPS says Boeing shares blame because it recommended periodic inspections and replacement of the assembly but did not clearly present the defect as a threat to the entire aircraft.
Copies of UPS inspection orders submitted by subcontractor ST Engineering San Antonio Aerospace showed no reference to the bearing and required only limited checks of the assembly.
With regulators, manufacturers, and airlines all failing, who is truly accountable when a preventable air disaster occurs?
Boeing knew a part was faulty for decades. How many other ticking time bombs are flying on commercial aircraft today?
A known defect was misclassified, leading to a fatal crash. Is the entire aviation safety certification process fundamentally flawed?
Catastrophic Crash of UPS Flight 2976: The 2025 Louisville Disaster, Systemic Failures, and Industry-Wide Repercussions
Overview
On November 4, 2025, UPS Flight 2976 crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport during takeoff, becoming the deadliest event in UPS’s history. The disaster began when a critical bearing failed, causing the plane to erupt into flames and lose an engine just after lifting off, reaching only about 30 feet in altitude. The crash killed 15 people, including crew and individuals on the ground, and injured dozens more. In response, the FAA grounded all MD-11 planes, while investigators focused on mechanical failure, maintenance practices, and regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.