New photos of UPS MD-11 jet crash show engine fly off, as NTSB finds aging plane had ‘fatigue cracks’

New photographic evidence from the fatal UPS MD-11 jet crash in Kentucky reveals the catastrophic moment an engine detached during takeoff, coinciding with the US National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) discovery of critical fatigue cracks in the aging aircraft. These findings intensify scrutiny on the structural integrity of older cargo planes operating within commercial aviation fleets.

The incident involved a UPS Boeing MD-11 cargo jet, which experienced an engine failure and subsequent detachment shortly after beginning its takeoff roll. Eyewitness accounts and newly released images depict the engine erupting into flames before separating from the wing, leading to the aircraft's destruction and tragic loss of life. The crash site in Kentucky became the focus of an immediate and extensive NTSB investigation.

The NTSB's preliminary findings point to advanced fatigue cracks within the aircraft's structure as a primary contributing factor to the engine's failure and separation. This discovery raises significant concerns regarding maintenance protocols and inspection schedules for older aircraft models, particularly those subjected to the rigorous demands of cargo operations. The investigation continues to assess the full scope of the material degradation and its role in the catastrophic event.

The ongoing probe into the UPS MD-11 crash underscores the critical importance of vigilant maintenance and robust inspection regimes for all commercial aircraft, especially as global fleets age. The aviation industry awaits the NTSB's final report, which will likely inform new safety directives and potentially impact operational guidelines for similar aircraft types worldwide.