Tag: mcdonnell douglas
NEWS Feb 02, 2026 FedEx Targets May 31 Return for MD-11 Fleet Following Fatal November Crash A stark divide has emerged between the world’s two largest logistics giants as they navigate the future of the iconic McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter. While FedEx Express is doubling down on the trijet with a target return-to-service date of May 31, 2026, United Parcel Service (UPS) has officially closed the book on the aircraft’s thirty-year tenure following a devastating accident that sent shockwaves through the industry. Read More →
INFORMATIONAL Dec 30, 2024 The McDonnell Douglas DC-10: Dangerous or Misunderstood? The McDonnell Douglas DC-10—commonly referred to as the “Death Cruiser” or “Donald’s Disaster''—built up a horrific reputation throughout the 1970s. Today we’ll explore the reputation and history of this commonly misunderstood aircraft, and what led to its unearned reputation as the most dangerous airplane ever produced. Read More →
TRIP REPORTS Mar 26, 2024 Travis AFB Bids Farewell to the KC-10 Extender at Wings Over Solano 2024 A visit to Travis Air Force Base (KSUU) to document the farewell flights of the McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender from the USAF fleet. The aircraft is expected to be retired by the end of this year. Read More →
STORIES Mar 18, 2024 Crashing into the Forest Near Paris: The Story of Turkish Airlines Flight 981 Turkish Airlines Flight 981 (TK981) was a flight from Istanbul-Atatürk (ISL) to London-Heathrow (LHR) with a layover at Paris-Orly (ORY). On March 3, 1974, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10 crashed into the Ermenonville Forest near Paris. The fatal crash, which killed all 335 passengers and 11 crew on board, was the deadliest plane crash in aviation history until March 27, 1977. Read More →