Fatal Crash Prompts UPS to Retire Entire McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Fleet

Global logistics giant UPS has officially retired its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes.

This accelerated decision follows the fatal Louisville crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 on November 4, 2025. CEO Carol Tomé announced the plan during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. The MD-11s represented approximately nine percent of the total UPS fleet. The company incurred a significant after-tax charge of $137 million to write off the aircraft.

The Louisville Tragedy and NTSB Findings

UPS Flight 2976, a wide-body freighter, crashed shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Kentucky. The accident tragically killed the three-person crew and twelve people on the ground, totaling 15 fatalities.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) quickly focused on the aircraft's structural integrity. The preliminary investigation revealed the plane’s left engine and pylon assembly separated from the wing during the takeoff roll.

Crucially, the NTSB found evidence of engine pylon fatigue cracks in the aft mount components of the detached engine. These structural weaknesses were not detected during a maintenance inspection conducted in 2021.

Regulatory and Industry Response

In the immediate aftermath, UPS voluntarily grounded its MD-11 fleet on November 7, 2025. The next day, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD).

This directive effectively ordered the FAA grounding MD-11 operations for all US carriers, pending mandatory inspections and necessary repairs. The FAA stated the condition could lead to a "loss of continued safe flight and landing."

Other major MD-11 operators, including FedEx and Western Global Airlines, also grounded their fleets. FedEx officials, however, have indicated they expect to return their MD-11 fleet to service after compliance with the AD.

Fleet Replacement and Operational Shift

UPS's decision to accelerate the UPS MD-11 fleet retirement is a major operational shift. The MD-11s were primarily used on long-haul international cargo routes.

To compensate for the lost capacity, UPS had to quickly adjust its logistics network. This included increasing ground transportation volume and leasing additional planes during the critical peak holiday season.

Looking ahead, UPS is moving toward a more modern, twin-engine wide-body fleet. The company confirmed it will receive 18 new Boeing 767 replacement aircraft over the next 15 months.

• The MD-11 retirement marks a significant moment for cargo aviation safety.
• The NTSB investigation highlights the challenge of maintaining aging wide-body freighter aircraft.
• The transition will see UPS rely more heavily on the Boeing 767 platform for its medium-to-long-haul cargo needs.

CEO Tomé commended the team's response to the UPS Flight 2976 accident. She also thanked the Louisville community for their support during the difficult period.

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