Lawyer alleges UPS prioritized profits over safety leading to plane crash that killed 14

A tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky, which claimed 14 lives, is being linked to corporate decisions that allegedly favored profit over safety. Two wrongful death lawsuits were filed Wednesday, claiming UPS continued operating older aircraft without increasing maintenance beyond routine schedules.

Federal authorities reported that last months crash of an MD-11 jet occurred during takeoff when the left-wing engine detached. The National Transportation Safety Board identified cracks where the engine connected to the wing. The MD-11 fleet, now grounded and averaging over 30 years of service, may pose serious risks for cargo operations, according to attorney Robert Clifford, who has decades of experience representing plane crash victims.

The plane was old, worn out, and should never have been returned to service, Clifford stated. He argued that cost-cutting measures, such as keeping aging planes in the air without extra inspections, placed profits above human safety.

UPS and General Electric, manufacturer of the engines and also named in the lawsuits, emphasized that safety remains a top priority while assisting federal investigators and extended condolences to the victims families. Both companies declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The lawsuits, filed by Clifford Law Offices of Chicago and Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, also name Boeing, which acquired the original manufacturer McDonnell Douglas, and VT San Antonio Aerospace, Inc., responsible for plane inspections and maintenance. Requests for comment from these companies were not immediately answered.

The Nov. 4 crash near Muhammad Ali International Airport killed three pilots and 11 people on the ground, including Angela Anderson, 45, and Trinadette "Trina" Chavez, 37. The victims died in a fire fueled by the planes 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of jet fuel en route to Hawaii, court filings indicate.

The aircraft had recently completed over six weeks of maintenance ending on October 18, addressing structural issues such as a crack in the center wing fuel tank and corrosion. Some engine attachment components were lubricated, but the engine mount had not undergone a detailed inspection since 2021 and was not scheduled for another for another 7,000 takeoffs and landings, according to the lawsuits.

Clifford compared the crash to a 1979 American Airlines DC-10 disaster, where the left engine also detached, though that incident was caused by external damage. In this case, age-related wear appears to be the primary factor. Extending an aircrafts operational life saves money but dramatically increases the risk of fatigue fractures, Clifford said.

Following the crash, federal investigators grounded all MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global for inspection and repairs. The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet specified required actions. UPS stated it does not expect the MD-11s to resume service until after the holiday season. Currently, 109 MD-11 cargo planes remain in operation, representing about 9% of UPSs fleet and 4% of FedExs fleet. Experts suggest that replacing these aging aircraft may be more practical than extensive repairs.

Author: Harper Simmons