It is the nightmare scenario for every pilot and passenger. A preliminary report into the fatal crash of a UPS cargo plane in Kentucky has revealed that aviation giant Boeing was aware of a critical engine defect as far back as 2011 but deemed it "not a safety issue."

The crash in November 2025 killed three crew members and 12 people on the ground when an engine separated from the wing of the MD-11 aircraft during takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation has now unearthed a service letter from 15 years ago, where Boeing advised owners of the defect but stopped short of mandating repairs.

"Not a Safety Issue"

The phrase is chilling. Boeing’s engineers had identified cracks in the "spherical bearing race"—the part that holds the engine to the wing—on at least four previous occasions. Yet, instead of a recall, they recommended "scrutiny" during routine checks.

• The Cost of Inaction: The decision to classify the defect as minor meant that airlines like UPS were not legally required to replace the parts immediately. This regulatory loophole has now cost 15 lives.
• Boeing’s Defense: The company stated it is "supporting the investigation" but offered no comment on why the warning was not more urgent. This adds to the litany of safety scandals plaguing the manufacturer, from the 737 MAX to the recent Starliner issues.

Global Fleets on Alert

For cargo operators worldwide, including those flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), this report demands immediate inspections. The MD-11 is a workhorse of the sky. If its engines are ticking time bombs, the global supply chain is at risk. Once again, profit margins appear to have been prioritized over safety protocols.