Louisville UPS MD11 crash highlights aircraft longevity

At least nine people died when a 34-year-old UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening. There are no initial indications the jet’s age was a factor, underscoring that cargo planes often stay in service for years, with retirements driven more by fuel burn than wear. The MD-11’s three-engine design is less efficient than today’s twins, yet many still fly as freighters. The aircraft was delivered in 1991 and converted for UPS in 2006 after a complete overhaul; airlines also perform deep D-check inspections.