NTSB Hearings Detail Engine Pylon Failure in Fatal UPS MD-11 Crash

NTSB Hearings Detail Engine Pylon Failure in Fatal UPS MD-11 Crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Transportation Safety Board concluded two days of fact-finding hearings May 19-20 regarding the crash of UPS Flight 2976, revealing that a catastrophic engine pylon failure caused the fatal accident at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Evidence presented at the Washington hearings showed the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F (N259UP) suffered a left engine pylon separation shortly after takeoff Nov. 4, 2025, from Runway 17R. NTSB investigators found fatigue cracks in the bearing outer race fractured the pylon aft mount bearing and lugs, severing hydraulic lines and causing uncommanded retraction of the left-wing leading-edge slats. The aircraft reached approximately 300 feet before an asymmetric stall and uncontrollable left roll led to the crash, killing three crew members and 11 people on the ground, with 23 others injured.

The investigation revealed significant maintenance oversight issues, with NTSB testimony highlighting improper inspection procedures for pylon components. Perhaps most concerning, investigators found at least 10 similar bearing-related events had occurred across MD-11 fleets since 2002, but only four were formally reported to the FAA through the Service Difficulty Reporting system. The NTSB questioned Boeing's knowledge and reporting practices, noting the manufacturer failed to include full details of bearing mount issues in service bulletins to airlines. Party submissions are expected mid-June, with a final report to follow.