NTSB piecing together timeline of deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville

Key Concepts

• NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board): The agency investigating the UPS plane crash.
• UPS Plane Crash: The fatal incident under investigation in Louisville, Kentucky.
• ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast): A system providing flight data like altitude and speed.
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris): Debris on a runway that can cause damage.
• FDR (Flight Data Recorder): The "black box" that records flight parameters.
• CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder): The "black box" that records cockpit audio.
• MD11: The aircraft model involved in the crash.
• Maintenance Records: Documentation of repairs and checks performed on the aircraft.
• Minimum Equipment List (MEL): A list of equipment that must be operational for an aircraft to be certified as airworthy.

Investigation Update: UPS Plane Crash in Louisville

This summary details the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) update on the investigation into the fatal crash of a UPS plane in Louisville, Kentucky. The investigation is multidisciplinary, involving over 30 specialists on-site, supported by dozens more in Washington D.C. and across the country.

Parties to the Investigation

The following entities have been named as parties to the investigation:

• Federal Aviation Authority (FAA): The regulatory body for aviation in the U.S.
• United Parcel Service (UPS): The operator of the aircraft.
• Independent Pilots Association (IPA): Represents UPS pilots.
• Teamsters Union: Represents UPS mechanics.
• Boeing Corporation: The manufacturer of the aircraft (following consolidation with McDonnell Douglas).
• GE Aircraft Engines: The engine manufacturer.

Preliminary Flight Data and Findings

• ADS-B Data: Preliminary flight data from the FAA, commonly referred to as ADS-B, shows the aircraft's last reporting time at an altitude of 475 feet, traveling at a speed of 183 knots. This data point was collected at 5:13:32 AM Eastern Standard Time on the night of the accident. This information will be combined with FDR and CVR data to establish a timeline of events.
• FOD Walk: A "FOD walk" was conducted on runways 17 Left and 17 Right. On runway 17 Right, multiple pieces of engine fan blades and the main component of the number one engine (located on the left side of the aircraft) were found. These components have been transferred to a secured location for further examination to analyze any mechanical aspects.

Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

• Recovery and Extraction: Both the FDR and CVR were recovered and transported to the NTSB Headquarters in Washington D.C. for data extraction.
• FDR Data: The FDR download was successful, containing approximately 63 hours of data across 24 flights, including the accident flight. The FDR recorded about 420 parameters, such as altitude, airspeed, engine information, and system statuses. An FDR Group will be formed at NTSB headquarters to analyze this data.
• CVR Data: The CVR was also successfully downloaded, containing about two hours of audio, including the accident flight. A CVR Group will convene to transcribe the recorded audio for the accident flight.
• Data Release: The NTSB does not release the audio of CVR recordings. A transcript of pertinent information regarding the accident flight will be made available after a few days of validation and verification by experts and parties.

Aircraft Maintenance and History

• San Antonio Stay: The aircraft was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas, for approximately six weeks. The NTSB is actively pulling and reviewing maintenance records from this period, including repair job cards and other requirements. They will also review records prior to this period, based on the aircraft's age.
• CCTV Footage: CCTV information from the field in San Antonio is being pulled to understand any activities around the aircraft in the days leading up to the flight.
• Pre-Flight Maintenance: UPS has stated that no maintenance work was performed on the aircraft immediately prior to the flight that would have caused a delay. The NTSB is working to verify this information.
• Crew and Aircraft Swap: The investigation is looking into reports that the crew might have been assigned to a different plane that was swapped out due to maintenance issues. UPS flight scheduling and crew information are being provided cooperatively. CCTV footage will be used to validate this.
• MD11 Fleet Concerns: Regarding potential broader concerns about the MD11 model, the NTSB is reviewing all required checks based on the aircraft's age, hours, and cycles. They will make recommendations for different checks or work if necessary. The NTSB stated they have no problem making urgent recommendations if life safety or urgent issues are identified, but as of now, nothing indicates such action is immediately required.
• Reported Repairs: Reports of repairs to a fuel tank and a rusted part of the plane are being investigated. The NTSB is assessing whether these repairs satisfied safety criteria. They have experts in MD11 pilots and mechanics with hundreds of years of combined experience to evaluate the maintenance history and ensure repairs met safety standards.

Victim Information and Investigation Priorities

• Victims on Ground and in Plane: The NTSB is not involved with the coroner's operation, medical examiner, or emergency management association. However, they conduct separate briefings for families of victims on the ground and those on the plane due to different sets of questions and concerns. The primary concern for ground victims' families is the identification of their loved ones.
• Reconstruction Efforts: The extent of aircraft reconstruction will depend on what is needed to understand the accident. The NTSB is recovering debris and has observed a clear path from the airport to the debris field, noting burnt trees and molten material. The number one engine has been retrieved, and other large components will require crane work. The NTSB has a history of reconstructing entire planes, even those found in the ocean, to understand accidents and prevent future occurrences.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The NTSB is meticulously gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including flight recorders, on-site debris, maintenance records, and CCTV footage. The focus is on establishing a precise timeline of events, understanding the aircraft's mechanical condition, and identifying any contributing factors to the fatal crash. While preliminary data has been released, a comprehensive understanding and official findings will take time as the investigation progresses. The NTSB emphasizes its commitment to making urgent recommendations if any safety concerns are identified to protect the traveling public.