Aviation News – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is reviewing reports of structural cracks in a critical component of the Boeing MD-11 during a two-day hearing into the fatal UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky. The November accident killed 15 people, including three crew members and 12 people on the ground, renewing scrutiny over long-standing safety concerns involving the aircraft type.
The investigation has centered on a damaged bearing race, a key support component within the aircraft’s left engine pylon, which connects the engine to the wing. According to investigators, the part had previously been identified in a Boeing report issued in 2011, which documented four prior failures across three separate aircraft. The renewed attention raises questions about whether earlier warnings led to sufficient industry-wide corrective action.
The bearing race plays a critical role in stabilizing the engine structure during flight by helping absorb mechanical loads and vibrations. Investigators found evidence of fatigue cracking, a condition caused by repeated stress over time, which can weaken structural integrity and ultimately lead to catastrophic failure if left undetected. The findings could influence future inspection intervals and maintenance procedures across aging cargo fleets.
