UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky had cracks in engine mount, says preliminary investigation report | World News

NTSB said that they were able to recover the cockpit voice recorders, as well as the engine and pylon that fell off the plane’s wing. (Photo: NTSB)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US has released the preliminary findings of its investigation into the crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this month.

UPS plane crash

According to US federal investigators, there was evidence of cracks in the left wing’s engine mount. The MD-11 plane only got 9.1 meters off the ground before it crashed on November 4, killing three crew members and another 11 people on the ground. Another 23 people were also left injured in the incident.

This photo provided the National Transportation Safety Board shows UPS plane crash scene in Louisville. (NTSB via AP)

plane was 34 years old

“A fire ignited near the area of the left pylon attachment to the wing, which continued until ground impact,” the report said.

According to NTSB, the entire incident was captured airport surveillance video, which they included multiple frames of in the report.

The MD-11 plane only got 9.1 meters off the ground before it crashed. (Photo: NTSB)

“A fire ignited near the area of the left pylon attachment to the wing, which continued until ground impact,” the report added.

“The airplane cleared the blast fence beyond the end of runway 17R, but the left main landing gear impacted the roof of a UPS Supply Chain Solutions warehouse at the southern edge of the airport,” the agency said. “The airplane then impacted a storage yard and two additional buildings, including a petroleum recycling facility, and was mostly consumed fire.”

Additionally, the agency has since determined that the 34-year-old plane had several “fatigue cracks” and “fractures.”

final report expected in 18-24 months

As their investigation continues, the NTSB said that they were able to recover the cockpit voice recorders, as well as the engine and pylon that fell off the plane’s wing.

The 34-year-old plane had several “fatigue cracks” and “fractures.” (Photo: NTSB)

Frame–frame photos released the NTSB on Thursday showed the engine flying off the MD-11 freighter plane’s wing, rising into the air before a burst of fire engulfed the plane.

The NTSB said its investigation into the crash is ongoing. A final report is expected in 18 to 24 months.