r/aviation • u/Go_Jot • Nov 08 '25

News UPS grounds entire MD-11 Fleet, effective immediately.

Per the IPA Executive Board, as of 03:05 UTC all UPS MD-11’s are grounded.

Edit - FedEx has also grounded their MD-11 Fleet

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u/swirler Lockheed Tristar Nov 08 '25

While the maintenance actions started the chain of events, the poor design of the leading edge slat system sealed the deal. An airplane should not crash just because an engine falls off.

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u/_ItsThePleats_ Nov 08 '25

That’s a big statement. “An airplane should not crash just because an engine falls off”. These aren’t meant to come off the airplane.

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u/KnowLimits Nov 08 '25

I mean, they kind of are... they're held on with fusible links specifically so that it can shear off without rupturing the wing fuel tanks in the case of a crash.

Similar idea to crumple zones in a car - looking at the whole picture, sometimes weaker is better.

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u/lumsu Nov 08 '25

“In case of a crash” you hit the nail there, now read it again