FAA grounds FedEx MD-11 fleet pending inspection after fatal UPS crash in Kentucky

[REGULATORY ACTION]

Nov 8, 2025 · FedEx Corporation · Roxo SameDay Bot · Manchester, New Hampshire, USA

Failure Mode

REGULATORY ACTION

Event Date

Nov 8, 2025

Primary Entity

FedEx Corporation

Robotic Platform

Roxo SameDay Bot

Jurisdiction / Location

Manchester, New Hampshire, USA

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

Following the fatal crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 (an MD-11 freighter) in Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, 2025, the FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive grounding all MD-11 aircraft pending engine and pylon inspections. FedEx grounded its MD-11 fleet in compliance with the directive. The FAA cleared a phased return of MD-11s to service in May 2026, and FedEx resumed MD-11 cargo flights.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

FedEx CorporationView Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

Roxo SameDay BotView Spec

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.reuters.com/world/us/faa-issues-order-prohibiting-md-11-flights-pending-inspection-after-fiery-ups-2025-11-08/

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/faa-issues-order-prohibiting-md-11-flights-pending-inspection-after-fiery-ups-2025-11-08/

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in FAA grounds FedEx MD-11 fleet pending inspection after fatal UPS crash in Kentucky?

Following the fatal crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 (an MD-11 freighter) in Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, 2025, the FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive grounding all MD-11 aircraft pending engine and pylon inspections. FedEx grounded its MD-11 fleet in compliance with the directive. The FAA cleared a phased return of MD-11s to service in May 2026, and FedEx resumed MD-11 cargo flights.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on November 8, 2025 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in FAA grounds FedEx MD-11 fleet pending inspection after fatal UPS crash in Kentucky?

Roxo SameDay Bot by FedEx Corporation is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.

Has anyone responded to FAA grounds FedEx MD-11 fleet pending inspection after fatal UPS crash in Kentucky?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of FAA grounds FedEx MD-11 fleet pending inspection after fatal UPS crash in Kentucky?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.