United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx have temporarily grounded their fleets of MD-11 cargo jets following a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that has now claimed 14 lives.

UPS announced the grounding late Friday, stating the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” and following the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. MD-11s make up roughly 9% of the UPS Airlines fleet. FedEx soon followed suit. There are about 70 MD-11 freighter jets currently in operation worldwide.

Boeing’s Involvement
The grounding comes after Boeing requested operators suspend MD-11 flights. The company’s internal safety review indicated that “additional engineering analysis” was needed. Boeing noted that the recommendation was precautionary and is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The MD-11 was originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, which Boeing acquired in the 1990s.

Crash Details
Investigators reported that the cockpit voice recorder from UPS Flight 2976 captured over two hours of audio, including a repeating bell that sounded shortly after the crew called for takeoff thrust. The bell persisted until the end of the recording 25 seconds later as the crew attempted to regain control.

Earlier NTSB findings revealed:

• A fire broke out on the MD-11’s left wing during takeoff.
• The left engine detached and fell to the ground.
• The Honolulu-bound plane reached an altitude of 475 feet, cleared the runway fence at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, and crashed into nearby buildings.

Aircraft History

• The jet was 34 years old.
• It underwent six weeks of repair work starting in September after a crack was found in the fuel tank.
• Maintenance teams later discovered corrosion along two structural fuselage beams, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Casualties
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on Friday that the death toll rose to 14 after an additional victim was discovered at the crash site.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and both airlines have paused MD-11 operations as a precaution.