The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order halting MD-11 aircraft from flying for inspection following a fatal UPS cargo plane crash that claimed at least 14 lives in Louisville, Kentucky. UPS and FedEx have grounded their combined fleet of over 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes based on Boeing’s recommendation. The emergency airworthiness directive from the FAA was prompted by the recent crash where the left engine and pylon separated from the aircraft during takeoff, leading to concerns about safe flight and landing. UPS confirmed compliance with the directive by grounding its 26 MD-11 planes, constituting about nine percent of its fleet. Boeing has expressed support for the FAA’s decision. The FAA is expected to mandate thorough engine and pylon inspections before allowing the planes to resume operations. The National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading the investigation into the crash of the 34-year-old MD-11 freighter in Louisville. The incident occurred as the aircraft was departing for Honolulu from UPS’s global aviation hub, with three individuals on board. Video footage from airport security shows the left engine detaching during takeoff, leading to a fire in the left wing. The plane managed to gain altitude before crashing, resulting in a large fire that engulfed the aircraft and adjacent establishments. Safety investigators revealed that the UPS pilots attempted to regain control of the plane just before the crash.