NTSB Releases Frame‑by‑Frame Images Showing Left Engine Separating in Deadly UPS MD‑11 Crash Near Louisville

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says a critical mounting that secured the left engine to UPS Flight 2976 failed moments after the McDonnell Douglas MD‑11 freighter lifted off from Louisville. Investigators released a striking six‑frame sequence that appears to show the left engine separating from its pylon, traveling up and over the wing and producing a fireball.

Key findings from the preliminary report

Engine attachment failure: Investigators recovered two structural fittings ("lugs") that fastened the engine pylon to the wing. The fittings displayed fatigue cracks and clear signs of overstress, with damage noted at approximately the 2 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions.

Flight profile: Updated flight data show the airplane did not climb above roughly 30 feet after passing the end of Runway 17R at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Witnesses in the control tower reported a normal takeoff speed but an abnormal climb; another observer said the aircraft stopped gaining altitude, began to descend and then rolled left.

Human and equipment toll: All three crew members aboard UPS Flight 2976 and 11 people on the ground were killed. The jet carved a roughly half‑mile debris trail across a petroleum recycling facility and a UPS warehouse, triggering a large fire and visible plumes of black smoke.

Aircraft and records: The freighter was a 34‑year‑old MD‑11 that had been in the process of being retired from the UPS fleet. Investigators noted recent maintenance in San Antonio that had taken the aircraft out of service for six weeks; all maintenance and service records are under review.

Recorders and evidence: The left engine and pylon that detached, along with the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), were moved to a secure facility for detailed examination. The CVR preserved about two hours and four minutes of good‑quality audio; the FDR contains roughly 63 hours of data spanning 24 flights, including the accident flight.

Regulatory response: The Federal Aviation Administration ordered an immediate inspection of all MD‑11 and MD‑11F aircraft, temporarily grounding those types until thorough inspections are completed. UPS reported it still operates other MD‑11s and is cooperating with investigators.

Context and precedent

The NTSB drew a comparison to the 1979 American Airlines Flight 191 accident, in which a DC‑10 experienced an engine/pylon separation during takeoff that led to loss of control. That historical reference underscores the seriousness of a pylon or engine separation event during the critical takeoff phase.

The agency released roughly 12 pages of preliminary findings a little over two weeks after the November 4 accident — faster than its typical 30‑day preliminary timeline. A final NTSB report, which will present probable cause and safety recommendations, is expected in 18–24 months.

Reporters: Lauren Mascarenhas, Chris Isidore, Alaa Elassar, Devon M. Sayers, Aaron Cooper.