This is a follow-up report to the crash of UPS Flight 2976. Our original report was published as breaking news on November 4, 2025.
UPS Airlines abruptly grounded its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11s on Friday. The decision, which the company says was made “in the interest of safety,” comes just three days after flight 2976 tragically crashed near Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).
Early Saturday, American cargo carrier rival FedEx Express announced it was also grounding its MD-11 fleet. The airline is the largest operator of the aircraft type, with 29 in its fleet, while UPS operates 27.
News of the grounding began to circulate on Friday afternoon. According to NBC News, a photo of a screen from inside an aircraft showed a message that notified pilots of the order: “Per UPS MD11 are not to depart effective immediately.” UPS quickly restored operations at SDF, including MD-11 flights, approximately 24 hours after flight 2976 crashed.
On Friday, the death toll rose to 14 as investigators continued to examine the crash site and key elements, such as the detached engine remains and cockpit voice recorders. The temporary grounding order could have the potential to cause a ripple effect on both carriers’ global operations. UPS already said earlier this week that it was expecting short-term shipping delays in the wake of the crash, according to Austin local CBS affiliate WTVC.
While the grounding represents less than 10% of its fleet, the carrier said it has plans to avoid disruptions.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety, we have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet. MD-11s are approximately 9% of the UPS Airlines fleet. The grounding is effective immediately. We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve. Contingency plans are in place to ensure we can continue to deliver the reliable service our customers around the world count on. “
FedEx Following Suit
Memphis-based FedEx Express quickly followed UPS with its own decision to halt MD-11 operations. Similarly, the airline told Simple Flying in a statement that the decision is “out of an abundance of caution.” While the planes are removed from service, the carrier will “conduct a thorough safety review based on the recommendation of the manufacturer.” Although FedEx Express has 29 MD-11s in its fleet, the airline noted that 28 are currently in operation. Its entire fleet comprises approximately 700 aircraft.
With the busy holiday season fast approaching, the grounding can undoubtedly throw a wrench in its operation on the ground and in the air. However, similar to UPS, the carrier said it is working to mitigate any delivery complications.
“We are immediately implementing contingency plans within our integrated air-ground network to minimize disruptions,” a spokesperson explained. “Our teams are focused on delivering the highest standards of safety and service for our customers and team members.”
The Investigation Continues
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been on the ground in Louisville to determine the cause of the stricken MD-11 losing its left engine before crashing. In the board’s latest update on Friday, investigators reported that the aircraft’s takeoff roll was uneventful before a persistent bell began ringing about 37 seconds after engine thrust was applied. The bell rang for approximately 25 seconds before the cockpit recording ended.
The aircraft, N259UP, was grounded for maintenance in San Antonio from September 3 until October 18, when it returned to SDF. It then performed 27 flights thereafter. According to The Aviation Herald, ground observers reported that flight 2976 was delayed for two hours due to work on its left engine, which would later detach. Simple Flying has not independently verified the claims.
The MD-11 is the largest trijet in the world. It was launched by McDonnell Douglas in 1986 and produced at a facility in Long Beach, California. The manufacturer merged with Boeing in 1997 to form the world’s largest aerospace company. One year later, Boeing announced that it would end MD-11 production.
