The NTSB’s preliminary report reveals that a UPS MD-11F cargo plane in Louisville suffered a catastrophic engine separation due to metal fatigue, shocking eyewitnesses, injuring several, and raising urgent concerns about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols.

Louisville, Kentucky—Newly released images and preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have revealed the harrowing details of the UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11F crash that occurred on November 4, 2025, at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Surveillance footage and expert analyses confirm that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic structural failure moments after liftoff, with the left engine and its pylon detaching from the wing, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and raising serious questions about aircraft maintenance and structural integrity.

According to the NTSB preliminary report, the incident began just as the MD-11F attempted to ascend from the runway.

Video footage shows the left engine violently separating from the aircraft, a sight that horrified airport personnel and air traffic controllers.

Jeff Ostroff, a noted aviation journalist, presented the key findings, noting that investigators immediately focused on the recovered engine pylon for signs of structural failure.

“The images are devastating,” Ostroff said.

“You can see exactly how the engine detached from the wing—a moment that turned a routine cargo flight into a tragedy in seconds.”

Examination of the engine pylon revealed significant metal fatigue.

Investigators identified fatigue cracks on the lugs of the pylon’s aft mount—the critical structure that connects the engine to the wing.

These cracks likely developed over time, exacerbated by repeated stress during takeoffs, landings, and turbulence.

The NTSB report emphasizes that while the exact sequence of mechanical failures is still under review, the presence of these fatigue cracks played a central role in the engine separation.

Airport surveillance video, now released by the NTSB, captured the shocking moment in detail.

In the frames, the left engine can be seen swinging violently as it detaches from the wing, trailing sparks and debris.

Pilots, ground crew, and nearby airport staff reported hearing a loud metallic bang, followed by a cloud of smoke and sudden alarms.

One ground controller, speaking under condition of anonymity, said, “It sounded like a bomb went off.

The aircraft started veering immediately after the engine ripped away.

Everyone on the ground froze, watching in disbelief.”

This incident bears an eerie resemblance to the tragic 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191, also an MD-11 predecessor aircraft.

In that case, improper maintenance damaged the rear attachment point of the engine pylon, leading to engine separation shortly after takeoff.

While preliminary comparisons are not a definitive cause, the NTSB report notes that the similarities raise concerns about recurring vulnerabilities in engine mounting structures and the long-term effects of maintenance practices.

Aviation safety experts are already analyzing whether changes to inspection protocols could prevent similar disasters in the future.

UPS released a statement acknowledging the preliminary findings while emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety.

“We are reviewing the NTSB’s initial report closely and continue to cooperate fully with the investigation,” said a UPS spokesperson.

“Our focus remains on supporting the flight crew and ensuring the safety of our operations worldwide.

” The statement highlighted that the MD-11F fleet has undergone extensive inspections in recent years, but the findings of metal fatigue underscore the importance of ongoing structural assessments.

The NTSB continues to investigate potential contributing factors, including maintenance history, aircraft age, and operational stress.

The investigation also considers environmental factors at the time of the accident, such as wind conditions, runway surface, and weight distribution.

Preliminary reports do not indicate pilot error as a primary factor, but the full report is expected to provide a more comprehensive analysis once laboratory tests and structural simulations are completed.

As the aviation community absorbs the details of the Louisville crash, the release of dramatic images showing the engine detached from the wing has reignited public concern about cargo aircraft safety.

Experts have stressed that such failures, while rare, highlight the importance of rigorous inspection protocols and adherence to manufacturer maintenance guidelines.

Aviation analyst Karen Simmons noted, “Even highly experienced crews and modern aircraft are vulnerable if structural issues go undetected.

This is a sobering reminder of the precision and diligence required in aviation operations.”

Families of the flight crew have been briefed, and local authorities continue to manage debris cleanup and airport operations.

Meanwhile, aviation regulators are reviewing MD-11F maintenance procedures globally to determine if changes are necessary to prevent similar incidents.

The NTSB emphasizes that preliminary findings are not final, but the structural failure documented in Louisville already provides critical lessons for pilots, engineers, and airline operators worldwide.

The UPS MD-11F crash in Louisville serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in aviation, even for routine cargo flights.

As investigators continue their work, the world watches closely, seeking answers about the cause of the engine separation, the role of maintenance practices, and the broader implications for aircraft safety standards in the 21st century.

The dramatic release of images by the NTSB has ensured that this tragic incident will remain a focal point in discussions about aviation safety for years to come.