American delivery giants UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded part of their cargo plane fleets following a devastating crash in Kentucky. The incident, which occurred during a mid-takeoff maneuver, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and caused extensive damage. The UPS aircraft involved in the crash burst into flames as it veered off the runway, colliding with nearby business premises and igniting a massive fire that engulfed several buildings and closed Louisville International Airport. The decision to ground MD-11 models was made in accordance with instructions from manufacturer Boeing, with rival delivery giant FedEx confirming a similar stance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by officials, with the National Transportation Safety Board reporting that the left engine caught fire and detached from the wing during takeoff. The aircraft was en route to Hawaii with a substantial fuel load, contributing to the severity of the fire. The grounding of 9% of UPS's fleet has been described as an 'abundance of caution', with the company emphasizing the safety of its employees and the communities it serves. The MD-11F triple-engine plane, which first entered service 34 years ago with Thai Airways, was transferred to UPS in 2006. This incident raises important questions about aviation safety and the potential risks associated with older aircraft models.
