Key Highlights
- The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 has a poor safety record, with 11 hull-loss accidents since its entry into service.
- MD-11’s high landing speeds and reduced tolerance contribute to its accident rate.
- FedEx Express Flight 14, Swissair Flight 111, and Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316 are among the notable MD-11 accidents.
- The last major operators of MD-11s, FedEx, have begun returning their fleet to service after a series of crashes.
MD-11’s Safety Record: A Grim Reality Check
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 has had a tumultuous history in the world of commercial aviation. Since its entry into service in 1990, this widebody trijet has faced numerous challenges, one of the most notable being its abysmal safety record.
Why The MD-11 Stands Out
The MD-11’s poor safety track record is striking. With a total of 11 hull-loss accidents out of an original fleet of 200 aircraft, the jet’s failure rate is around 5%. This is significantly higher than that of its contemporaries such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, which have seen fewer incidents despite their larger fleets.
Notable Accidents
A few accidents stand out. In 1998, Swissair Flight 111 tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 229 people on board. The following year, FedEx Express Flight 14 met a similar fate in Newark Liberty International Airport. Additionally, Korean Air Cargo Flight 6316 suffered a fatal crash due to pilot error and aircraft sensitivity in 1999.
High Landing Speeds: A Persistent Issue
The MD-11’s high approach and landing speeds have long been a concern within the aviation community. These speeds, typically between 150 and 170 knots, can lead to increased stress on the aircraft during landings, especially in gusty conditions.
FedEx’s Decision To Ground The Fleet
In response to these incidents, FedEx Express decided to ground its entire MD-11 fleet in November 2025. However, with the recent approval of Boeing’s proposed fix by the FAA, some aircraft are now returning to service. Despite this development, FedEx plans to phase out the trijet by 2032.
The fate of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a cautionary tale in aviation safety and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airlines and manufacturers alike in ensuring passenger safety.
