A deadly plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has led UPS and FedEx to ground all their McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes. The UPS aircraft crashed late Tuesday night, November 4, 2025, moments after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The crash killed at least 14 people and destroyed several nearby buildings.
The aircraft, a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter bound for Honolulu, reached only about 100 feet before plunging to the ground and bursting into flames. According to early findings from investigators, one of the plane’s three engines broke away from the left wing during takeoff. A warning bell sounded in the cockpit just seconds before the crash, and the pilots tried to regain control but were unable to do so.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. A full report is expected within the next month, though officials say the final analysis could take much longer.
Grounding of MD-11 Fleets
Following Boeing’s recommendation, both UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded all MD-11 aircraft “out of an abundance of caution.” UPS has 27 MD-11s in its fleet, while FedEx operates 28. The companies say they are working on backup plans to keep deliveries running and avoid major shipping delays.
Boeing, which took over the MD-11 program after merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said it is cooperating with the FAA and investigators. Production of the MD-11 ended in 2000, and the aircraft is now used only for cargo.
UPS stated that the grounded MD-11s make up about 9% of its total fleet. While both companies expect some short-term delays, they are using other aircraft types and flight routes to minimize disruption.
Broader Effects on Shipping and Safety
Louisville is the main global hub for UPS, known as Worldport, which handles hundreds of flights daily for customers including Amazon, Walmart, and the U.S. Postal Service. Even short-term disruption there can affect global supply chains.
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The crash has renewed concerns about the safety of aging cargo planes and raised questions about how long older aircraft should remain in operation. Aviation experts say the MD-11 has a long history in freight service but is known for its complex handling during takeoff and landing.
UPS said safety remains its top priority and that it will fully support investigators to determine the cause. The NTSB has recovered flight data and voice recorders from the wreckage, which should provide more insight into what went wrong in the final moments of flight.
As cleanup continues at the crash site, authorities are working with families of the victims and nearby businesses affected by the fire and debris. The investigation is ongoing, and results from the preliminary report will help decide whether the MD-11 can safely return to service.
