UPS Retires Fleet of MD-11 Aircraft After Fatal Kentucky Crash

The decision comes just months after a November 2025 crash killed 15 people near Louisville's airport.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:15pm

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UPS has announced it is retiring its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes, just months after one of the aircraft crashed during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 15 people. The November 2025 crash, which occurred just outside the Muhammad Ali International Airport, claimed the lives of the plane's three-person crew as well as 12 others on the ground.

Why it matters

The MD-11 crash had a devastating impact on the Louisville community, striking and causing explosions at nearby businesses. The incident has raised questions about the safety of the aging MD-11 aircraft and UPS's maintenance protocols, leading the company to accelerate its plans to phase out the planes.

The details

Investigators found cracks in some of the parts that held the engine to the wing of the UPS plane, which had not been caught during regular maintenance. The last inspection on those key engine mount parts was in 2021. The plane's left engine had fallen off the wing, causing the aircraft to climb only about 30 feet before crashing.

  • The fatal crash occurred on November 4, 2025.
  • UPS announced the retirement of its MD-11 fleet on January 27, 2026.

The players

UPS

A major United States-based package delivery and supply chain management company.

Carol Tome

The CEO of UPS who announced the company's decision to retire the MD-11 fleet.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

An independent U.S. government investigative agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation.

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What’s next

The FAA is continuing its review of the MD-11 aircraft to determine if they will be allowed to fly again.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough aircraft maintenance and safety protocols, as well as the need for companies to proactively address potential safety issues, even if it means retiring an entire fleet of planes. The Louisville community has also shown resilience in the face of this tragedy.