Update on plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed at least 12 people

Key Concepts

• Party Process: NTSB's framework for involving relevant entities in accident investigations.
• ADSB (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast): Technology providing aircraft position, altitude, and speed data.
• FODWalk (Foreign Object Debris Walk): A systematic search for debris on runways.
• FDR (Flight Data Recorder): Records various flight parameters.
• CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder): Records audio from the cockpit.
• MD11: The aircraft model involved in the accident.
• Minimum Equipment List (MEL): A list of equipment that can be inoperative for flight.

Investigation Priorities and Coordination

The primary priority of the investigation is the identification of survivors and the recovery of remains. Close collaboration with local authorities is emphasized to ensure this priority is met. The NTSB has received extraordinary support from the Louisville and state EMA directors, particularly on day three of the investigation, with the Louisville EMA director being a significant asset in working towards closure for those affected.

The Party Process and Investigation Team

The NTSB employs a "party process" that has been in place for approximately 30 years. This process invites companies, government officials, agencies, and associations with employees or activities involved in an accident to contribute technical expertise. An organizational meeting was held, concluding around 9:30 PM, with teams continuing to meet for several hours afterward.

The following parties have been named to this investigation:

• Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)
• United Parcel Service (UPS)
• Independent Pilots Association (IPA)
• Teamsters Union (representing UPS mechanics)
• Boeing Corporation (manufacturer, following consolidation with McDonnell Douglas)
• GE Aircraft Engines

The NTSB has assembled a multidisciplinary team exceeding 30 individuals, including additional specialist vehicle performance specialists and a materials engineer. This on-site team is supported by dozens of personnel in Washington D.C. and across the country, ensuring all necessary resources are available.

Preliminary Flight Data and Findings

Preliminary flight data information, commonly referred to as ADSB, has been received from the FAA. This data indicates that at the last reporting time (5:13:32 AM EST on the night of the accident), the aircraft was at an altitude of 475 feet and traveling at a speed of 183 knots. This ADSB data will be combined with information from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and other sources to construct a timeline of events, detailing what was known in the cockpit and on the ground.

A FODWalk was conducted on runway 17 Left (L) and 17 Right (R). During the FODWalk on 17R, multiple pieces of engine fan blades and the main component of the number one engine (located on the left side of the aircraft) were discovered. These recovered parts have been transferred to a secure location for further examination to analyze any mechanical aspects.

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

Both the FDR and CVR were recovered and transported to the NTSB's recorder laboratory in Washington D.C. for data extraction. 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 onboard system statuses. An FDR group will be formed at NTSB headquarters to analyze this data.

The CVR was also successfully downloaded, containing about 2 hours of audio, which includes the accident flight. A CVR group will convene to transcribe the recorded audio. The NTSB does not release the audio of CVR recordings; however, a transcript of pertinent information regarding the flight itself will be made available. This process of data validation and verification by experts and parties is expected to take at least another day or two.

Maintenance History and Records

Regarding the aircraft's maintenance history, it is acknowledged that the plane was in San Antonio, Texas, for approximately six weeks. The NTSB is actively retrieving and reviewing these maintenance records, including repair job cards and other requirements. The investigation will extend further back in time to gather additional details on inspections and checks, considering the aircraft's age. CCTV information from the field is also being collected to understand activities around the aircraft in the days leading up to the flight.

Engine and Maintenance Work Prior to Flight

In response to reports of delays due to engine work, UPS has stated that no maintenance was performed on the aircraft in question immediately prior to the flight that would have caused a delay. The NTSB is verifying this information through multiple sources.

Crew Assignment and Aircraft Swaps

Regarding reports that the crew was supposed to be on a different plane that was swapped out due to maintenance issues, the NTSB has not yet received specific information on this. UPS is cooperating fully, providing flight scheduling and crew assignment details. The investigation will examine this history, as crew assignments can sometimes change last minute, though cargo operations may involve more complex logistical considerations. CCTV footage will be used to validate this information.

Concerns Regarding the MD11 Fleet

The NTSB is reviewing the maintenance history of the MD11 aircraft, including checks and inspections based on its age, hours, and cycles. While the investigation is verifying that all required checks were conducted, the NTSB is prepared to make recommendations for different checks or work if warranted. The NTSB emphasizes that if any findings indicate a life safety concern or urgency, they will not hesitate to issue an immediate recommendation to enhance public safety. To date, no such urgent findings have been identified.

Victims and Ground Impact

The investigation prioritizes the identification of survivors and recovery of remains. The NTSB is not directly involved with the coroner's operation, medical examiner, or emergency management association. However, they conduct separate briefings for families of those on the ground and those on the plane due to their distinct questions and concerns. The primary concern for families on the ground is the identification of their loved ones, as none have been identified yet. Briefings for families of those on the plane will follow. The differentiation in briefings is primarily for effective information dissemination relevant to their immediate needs.

Aircraft Reconstruction and Debris Field

The investigation may involve reconstructing parts of the aircraft, or even the entire plane, depending on what is necessary to understand the accident. The debris field is extensive, with evidence of a clear path from the airport to the impact site, including burnt trees and molten material. The number one engine has been recovered and secured. The NTSB has a history of reconstructing entire aircraft, even those recovered from the ocean, to determine the cause of accidents and prevent future occurrences.

Fuel Tank and Rusted Part Repairs

In response to reports of repairs to fuel tanks and a rusted part of the plane, the NTSB is investigating. Every aircraft operates under a Minimum Equipment List (MEL), which allows for certain equipment to be inoperative while still maintaining flight safety. The NTSB has numerous MD11 pilots and mechanics with extensive experience who will assess whether the repairs performed satisfied safety criteria. If the investigation reveals any issues with past repairs or maintenance that could have contributed to the accident, urgent recommendations will be made.

Conclusion

The NTSB is conducting a thorough and systematic investigation into the accident, prioritizing the recovery of remains and the identification of survivors. The investigation involves a multidisciplinary team, extensive data analysis from FDR and CVR, and a detailed review of the aircraft's maintenance history. Collaboration with parties involved and a commitment to public safety are central to the NTSB's approach. While preliminary data is being analyzed, the NTSB is prepared to issue urgent recommendations if any safety concerns are identified.