NTSB to probe engine separation that sparked deadly UPS MD-11 crash

Federal safety investigators will hold hearings this week to determine why a UPS MD-11’s engine separated from the wing on takeoff from Louisville, causing a crash that killed 15 people. The NTSB will examine contributing factors, including engine-mount cracks and maintenance gaps, and how Boeing’s prior guidance on the bearings was implemented; the final report isn’t expected for over a year. Some MD-11s are returning to service after bearing replacements, while UPS plans to retire its MD-11 fleet.