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UPS Plane That Crashed Had ‘Fatigue Cracks’ in Engine Mount, Preliminary Report Finds
Insurance Journal· 2025-11-21 14:59
Core Points - The United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) freighter crash resulted from fatigue cracks in the left engine's turbine securing sections, leading to the death of 14 individuals [1][2] - The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F lost its left engine shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, failing to climb higher than 30 feet before crashing [2] - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with initial findings indicating no obvious external damage, attributing issues to aging [4][6] Investigation Findings - The NTSB's preliminary report highlighted fatigue cracks and overstress failures in the engine mount structure [1][4] - The crash's circumstances are reminiscent of a 1979 American Airlines incident involving a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, although the structural failures occurred in different locations [3] - Investigators are examining maintenance records, noting that a detailed inspection of the left engine mount was conducted in October 2021, with the next intensive inspection not due for another 8,000 takeoffs and landings [6][7] Regulatory Actions - Following the crash, the FAA temporarily grounded all MD-11F cargo jets, affecting approximately 9% of UPS' fleet and 4% of FedEx Corp.'s fleet [5] - UPS proactively grounded its MD-11 fleet prior to the FAA's directive, citing caution [5] Aircraft Background - The specific aircraft involved was originally built for Thai Airways in the early 1990s and converted into a freighter about 20 years ago, powered by three General Electric CF6 engines [8] - The MD-11 is no longer in production and is exclusively used for cargo operations, with the last passenger flight occurring over a decade ago [8]
AerCap to Provide GE Aerospace with Lease Pool Management Services for GE9X Engine
Prnewswire· 2025-10-15 11:00
Core Insights - AerCap Holdings N.V. has signed a seven-year agreement with GE Aerospace to provide lease pool management services for the GE9X engine, extending support for other engines as well [1][2][3] Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement enhances the partnership between AerCap and GE Aerospace, adding the GE9X engine to AerCap's servicing capabilities [2] - AerCap will manage GE9X shop visit management, lease return coordination, technical services, and lease documentation support [2][3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The agreement is crucial for ensuring that customers have a robust support network for their 777X fleets when the GE9X enters service [3] - GE Aerospace is investing in capabilities to support GE9X customers, including increasing capacity and enhancing training [3] Group 3: Company Background - AerCap is a global leader in aviation leasing, serving approximately 300 customers worldwide with comprehensive fleet solutions [4] - GE Aerospace has an installed base of around 44,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines, employing 52,000 people globally [5]