The FAA grounded MD-11 cargo planes for inspection after a fatal crash in Kentucky

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency directive Saturday for owners and operators of Boeing Co.’s McDonnell Douglas, or MD-11, and MD-11F cargo planes to be inspected after a fatal crash in Kentucky.

At least 14 people were killed in Wednesday’s crash in Louisville, Kentucky, after the left engine and shaft “separated from the aircraft during takeoff,” as described in the directive, which also “prohibits further flying” until the planes are inspected and any problems are corrected.

While the cause of the separation remains under investigation, air traffic regulators issued the guidance “because the agency has determined that the unsafe condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type of design.”

This measure is considered a temporary measure, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. If a final action is later determined, the FAA may consider further rulemaking next.

Meanwhile, UPS has already announced that it will retire its MD-11 fleet.

“MD-11 aircraft represent approximately 9% of the UPS Airlines fleet. The grounding is effective immediately,” the company wrote in a statement. We made this decision proactively based on the aircraft manufacturer’s recommendation. “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 provide the reliable service our customers around the world rely on,” UPS added.

FedEx confirmed to The Hill that it has also grounded its fleet of MD-11 aircraft while conducting a “comprehensive safety review based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.”