Preliminary Report MD11 (N259UP), vicinity Louisville KY USA, 4 November 2025

Preliminary Report MD11 (N259UP), vicinity Louisville KY USA, 4 November 2025

Publication info
Author
NTSB USA
Category
Accident Reports Loss of Control Fire Smoke and Fumes Airworthiness
Date of publication
11/11/2025

On 4 November 2025, the flight crew of a Boeing MD-11F departing Louisville lost control of their aircraft after the left engine and pylon separated from the aircraft shortly after it rotated. Fire ignited in both the detached engine and the left wing and the aircraft failed to gain height and the left main landing gear impacted structures close to the airport perimeter before it crashed into buildings approximately 1,000 metres beyond it and was destroyed by fire. Pending progress with the Investigation, the aircraft operator has grounded its MD11F fleet and related emergency Airworthiness Directives have been issued.

SKYbrary Partners:

Safety knowledge contributed by: