The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed a crucial finding in the investigation of the UPS cargo flight crash that occurred in Louisville last November, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. The focus of the inquiry is on a specific aircraft component that played a pivotal role in the tragic incident.
In a recent update, the NTSB disclosed that a metal housing, measuring 3 inches in width, surrounding a bearing was the primary culprit. This bearing is integral to the mount that secures the left engine to the wing of the MD-11F aircraft. The investigation uncovered signs of metal fatigue and cracking in this housing, indicating a potential failure.
The bearing race, which was split into two halves, caused the left engine to detach from the wing, leading to a dramatic fireball. This discovery is significant as it aligns with a 2011 Boeing service letter, which alerted airlines to four previous failures of engine bearing races on different MD-11s. However, Boeing deemed these failures non-critical to flight safety, suggesting only visual inspections every five years.
The NTSB's preliminary report, released in November, had already hinted at the failure of the engine mount moments after takeoff. Data revealed that the plane struggled to ascend beyond 30 feet above the runway. The report also noted fatigue cracks in the engine-wing attachment hardware and signs of over-stressing.
As the investigation progresses, the NTSB will conduct a comprehensive performance study to understand the altitude issue. The final report, expected within 18 to 24 months, will provide a detailed analysis of the crash's probable causes and offer recommendations to enhance aviation safety.
