UPS Cargo Plane Crash Investigation: Black Box Data and Maintenance History

Crash Investigation Underway

• ✈️ Investigators are analyzing crucial data and cockpit audio from the black box recovered from the crashed MD11 cargo plane.
• 🔍 The focus is on understanding the cause of the crash and preventing future incidents.
• 💔 Crews continue to search the extensive debris field for survivors, with the death toll at 12 and nine people still missing.

Aircraft Maintenance and History

• 🛠️ The 34-year-old jet was grounded for six weeks in San Antonio for repairs to a crack in the fuel tank.
• ⚠️ While aware of the maintenance, the NTSB currently believes it was not a contributing factor to the crash.
• 📈 The agency is thoroughly examining the aircraft's entire maintenance history.

Engine Fan Blade Evidence

• ⚙️ Multiple pieces of engine fan blades were found, specifically from the number one engine on the left side of the aircraft.
• 💥 This evidence is being analyzed as part of the effort to piece together the events leading to the fiery crash.

Rarity of Such Incidents

• 🚨 UPS cargo planes experiencing such severe issues are described as incredibly rare.
• ⏳ The last comparable incident cited involved a passenger plane losing its left engine in 1979.