safety
UPS never required detailed inspection of part that failed before engine flew off plane that crashed
By Josh Funk, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 5 min read
UPS never required the detailed inspections needed to spot the problem that led to an engine to fly off one of its planes before it crashed even after Boeing recommended it years earlier, according to new documents posted Wednesday by crash investigators.But UPS said in its own submission to the ...
Key takeaway The plane crashed last fall while accelerating down the runway at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing killed all three pilots and 12 people on the ground.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The revelation that UPS never required detailed inspections of a critical engine part, despite Boeing's earlier recommendation, raises concerns about the safety protocols in place for aircraft operating in and out of the Houston area, including Magnolia . As a major transportation hub, the region's residents and businesses rely on the safe operation of cargo planes like the UPS MD-11 freighter that crashed in Louisville. The fact that Boeing, UPS, and the FAA may have misunderstood the risks associated with the potential failure of a steel bearing and metal sheath in the engine mount is particularly troubling. With the NTSB's final report on the crash still pending, local residents will be watching to see what steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, and whether any changes will be made to inspection protocols for aircraft operating in the region. This incident highlights the need for rigorous safety standards and clear communication among manufacturers, operators, and regulators.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more Magnolia News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? UPS never required the detailed inspections needed to spot the problem that led to an engine to fly off one of its planes before it crashed even after Boeing recommended it years earlier, according to new documents posted Wednesday by crash investigators.But UPS said in its own submission to the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Funk, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter