Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

A part that broke on a UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky failed 4 times before on different planes

NTSB report highlights metal fatigue in a critical bearing race known since 2011; 15 people died in the UPS MD-11F crash near Louisville airport.

  • On Jan. 13, 2026, the NTSB released a report finding the spherical bearing race on the left pylon lug failed after fatigue-cracking and overstress, broken in the wreckage.
  • A February 2011 Boeing service letter informed operators of four previously reported bearing race failures on three different airplanes and Boeing's review concluded it was not a safety-of-flight issue.
  • The crash killed 15 people and destroyed Grade A Auto Parts, whose CEO Sean Garber described visible devastation at the site.
  • Cleanup crews and contractors have removed over 8,500 gallons of solid oil and treated over 2 million gallons of oily water, while Louisville officials and Mayor Craig Greenberg said they do not expect long-term environmental impact.
  • First responders and cleanup crews have remained on site since Nov. 4, families of the victims have recently returned, and sister station WLKY was granted media access while police checkpoints restrict public entry.
Insights by Ground AI

149 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 77% of the sources are Center
77% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

The Courier-Journal broke the news in Louisville, United States on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal