UPS says Boeing guidance blocked enhanced MD-11 inspections

Newly released investigative documents show that United Parcel Service did not implement enhanced inspections for a critical engine component on its MD-11 cargo jets, relying on Boeing's assessment that the issue did not pose a flight safety risk, before a fatal crash last year. The aircraft, UPS Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025, when its left engine and pylon separated from the wing. The accident killed the three crew members and 12 people on the ground, while injuring 23 others.

In post-hearing submissions to the National Transportation Safety Board, UPS stated it followed all required Boeing and Federal Aviation Administration-approved maintenance programs. The company said Boeing's service letters in 2008 and 2011 described a problem with spherical bearings in the engine mount as not a "safety of flight" condition and indicated existing inspection intervals were sufficient. UPS argued that because Boeing never updated its official Maintenance Planning Document to mandate enhanced inspections, the carrier determined no additional maintenance tasks were necessary.