The NTSB's preliminary investigation into the UPS Flight 2976 crash identifies fatigue cracking within the left engine pylon structure as a key focus.
The MD-11F crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 14 fatalities, after its No. 1 engine and pylon separated from the wing, igniting a fire.
Investigators found evidence of fatigue cracks on multiple fracture surfaces of the left pylon's aft-mount lugs.
Following the incident, UPS grounded its MD-11 fleet, and the FAA issued emergency airworthiness directives for MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft, citing similarities to a 1979 accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board says fatigue cracking within the left engine pylon structure is a key focus of its investigation into the crash of UPS Flight 2976, according to a preliminary report released Thursday.
Ryan is Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group, overseeing a portfolio that includes FLYING, AirlineGeeks, AVweb, Plane + Pilot, KITPLANES, and AircraftForSale.com. He founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has more than a decade of experience across aviation media, airport operations, airline workforce planning, and Part 135 regulatory compliance. His experience ranges from time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing aviation industry executives. Ryan holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and is an adjunct instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
