Investigators have found that the MD-11F cargo plane that crashed in Kentucky in November, killing 15 people, had structural defects previously identified by Boeing 15 years ago. The UPS-operated aircraft lost an engine during takeoff, resulting in a crash into an industrial area. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that cracks in the engine mounting assembly had been seen in other aircraft, though Boeing had previously deemed these defects as not affecting flight safety.
The MD-11, an older model originally made by McDonnell Douglas, had its last production in 2001, but Boeing continues to support it with parts and service. The latest NTSB report highlights issues like “fatigue” in critical bearings related to the engine attachment, stating Boeing found similar failures in multiple planes before. In a 2011 service letter, Boeing had recommended regular visual inspections of the mounting part every five years.
Tim Atkinson, an aviation safety consultant, expressed concern over Boeing’s assessment that the defect posed no safety risk, emphasizing the component’s critical role in engine attachment. Boeing has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly concerning safety issues with the 737 Max model that led to deadly crashes. The company is currently cooperating with the NTSB investigation, which has not yet determined the crash’s cause, and awaits a final report.
Source link
