Experts weigh in on UPS 2976 crash

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential causes of the UPS flight 2976 crash, focusing on the outsourcing of aircraft maintenance and its implications for safety.

Airlines lose control when they outsource heavy maintenance, and that could be the root cause of the fatal crash of UPS flight 2976, according to a former FAA airworthiness inspector and NTSB major accident investigator. UPS’ CF6-powered, 1991-vintage MD-11F (48417) failed to maintain its climb and crashed after its left engine separated from the wing during takeoff from Louisville, Ky. (SDF). MROs under microscope The FAA and NTSB should look closely at the maintenance checks carriers have outsourced to third-party MROs, Stephen Carbone, president of private maintenance consultant firm Aircraft Maintenance Safety Professionals, says. A former FAA airworthiness inspector and NTSB major accident investigator, Carbone says in this week’s episode of “Cargo Facts Connect” that he believes there is not enough oversight from the FAA or quality control from airlines that outsource aircraft maintenance. “Since the early ’90s, the airlines have relied a lot more on repair station overhaul facilities to do their work,” Carbone says. “And the problem with that is the airline loses control of the maintenance.” Tragic similarities In addition, the November crash had tragic similarities to a…

People in this episode

Guest: Stephen Carbone

Topics covered

• aircraft maintenance
• aviation safety
• UPS flight 2976
• NTSB investigations
• FAA oversight
• MROs

Keywords

• UPS 2976
• aircraft maintenance
• FAA
• NTSB
• MRO
• aviation safety
• engine failure
• MD-11F
• American Airlines DC-10
• crash investigation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FAA, NTSB, American Airlines

Products: MD-11F, CF6

Places: Louisville, Ky., Chicago, O'Hare International Airport

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