Families to File Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Fatal UPS Cargo Jet Crash in Louisville; NTSB Cites Fatigue Cracks

Victims' Families to File Wrongful Death Lawsuit After UPS Cargo Jet Crash

Families of the 14 victims who tragically lost their lives in a UPS MD-11 cargo jet crash last month are preparing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The legal action is set to commence on December 3, according to representatives from the law firms handling the victims' cases.

The Fatal Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

The devastating incident occurred on November 4, shortly after the UPS cargo jet departed from Louisville, Kentucky. The plane's left engine reportedly detached from its wing during takeoff, leading to an immediate crash into an adjacent industrial park. The accident claimed the lives of all three crew members onboard and an additional eleven individuals on the ground.

NTSB Investigation Reveals Critical Flaws

Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, released in November, point to significant structural issues. Investigators discovered evidence of fatigue cracks within a crucial support structure on the left pylon, which connects the engine to the wing.

Attorney Bob Clifford, representing the victims' families, commented on the NTSB's report, stating it "suggests that this plane was old, tired, and well beyond its useful life." This statement highlights the core argument expected in the upcoming lawsuit regarding the aircraft's airworthiness.

Industry Response and Prior Warnings

In the aftermath of the crash, both UPS and other operators took swift action, grounding their fleets of MD-11 cargo jets as a precautionary measure. It was also revealed that Boeing, the company that acquired the MD-11 program from McDonnell Douglas in 1997, had previously recommended that UPS and FedEx temporarily halt flight operations for their MD-11 freighters. This recommendation underscores the potential concerns surrounding the aircraft model's structural integrity and age, adding another layer to the looming legal battle.