NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A prominent aviation safety attorney is condemning Federal Express’ plan to return Boeing MD-11 freighter aircraft to service, calling the move “reckless” following a deadly crash linked to a known structural defect in the plane’s wing design.

The criticism comes after FedEx confirmed it is in discussions with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration about resuming MD-11F operations — months after a similar aircraft operated by United Parcel Service crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.

On Nov. 4, 2025, the UPS-operated MD-11F experienced a left-engine fire moments after departure before slamming into multiple buildings near the airport, including a petroleum recycling facility, triggering a massive explosion. In the aftermath, Boeing grounded all MD-11F aircraft, followed by a formal grounding order from the FAA. On Jan. 28, 2026 — nearly three months after the crash — UPS retired all MD11Fs, replacing them with Boeing 767Fs.

According to findings released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Jan. 14, 2026, investigators identified a structural defect in the left wing assembly that supports the engine. The defect had been implicated in multiple prior incidents, yet operators were not required to repair it and the aircraft remained in service.

“This is history repeating itself,” said Keith Williams, a nationally known aviation attorney. “Lives were lost, people were hospitalized, and entire businesses were destroyed because of a defective wing design. The idea that this aircraft could be cleared to fly again without a full redesign is staggering.”

Williams said the defect should have been addressed long before the crash and must be permanently fixed before any MD-11F returns to the air.

“It’s inexcusable that this flaw was ignored despite warning signs,” Williams said. “It’s even more inexcusable to put these planes back in the sky without making the necessary safety improvements. We are gambling with human lives.”

FedEx announced on Jan. 28, 2026, that it is evaluating a return-to-service plan in coordination with Boeing and federal regulators. Williams is urging the FAA to reject any proposal that does not include a comprehensive structural correction and full transparency for the public.

“This is exactly the moment regulators are supposed to step in,” Williams said. “Safety cannot take a back seat to convenience or profit.”

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A prominent aviation safety attorney says a UPS cargo aircraft that crashed in Louisville last fall — killing 15 people, injuring dozens and devastating nearby businesses — should never have been allowed to fly after known design flaws were identified in the plane years earlier.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed in a report released January 14 that the November 4, 2025 crash involved a Boeing MD-11F with a structural defect in the left wing assembly that supports the engine. Despite multiple prior incidents involving the same defect, Boeing did not require operators to repair the problem, and the aircraft remained in service.

“This was not a hidden issue. This was a known, repeat defect,” said aviation attorney Keith Williams of The Keith Williams Law Group. “When a manufacturer is aware of a structural flaw that affects engine mounting, there is absolutely no justification for keeping that aircraft in the air.”

The UPS cargo jet departed Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. Shortly after takeoff, the plane’s left engine caught fire. The aircraft crashed into several buildings near the airport, including a petroleum recycling facility, triggering a massive explosion.

Following the crash, Boeing grounded all MD-11F aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration later issued its own grounding order.

According to the NTSB, the same wing assembly defect appeared on at least four occasions across three different MD-11F aircraft. Investigators also found that Boeing’s service bulletin alerted operators to the flaw but stopped short of mandating repairs.

“That decision cost lives,” Williams said. “When manufacturers label a defect as ‘non-critical’ despite repeated failures, they are gambling with human life — and in this case, that gamble ended in tragedy.”

Williams is calling on the FAA to immediately ground any aircraft found to have similar unresolved structural defects and to strengthen oversight of manufacturer-issued service advisories.

“Even the smallest crack can turn catastrophic at 30,000 feet,” Williams said. “No cargo, no schedule, no profit margin is worth a single human life.”

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As federal investigators work to determine what caused a fatal plane crash in southwest Texas, a prominent aviation attorney is urging authorities to closely examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, calling it a critical step in understanding what went wrong.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the January 8 crash of a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza that went down in a marsh near Sabine Pass, Texas, killing the 71-year-old pilot, who was flying from Jennings, Louisiana to Galveston, Texas.

According to flight data, the aircraft departed at 1:52 p.m. local time. Just over an hour later, around 3 p.m., the plane experienced a sudden increase in speed before rapidly losing altitude and crashing near Knight Lake. The pilot’s body was not recovered until the following day.

FlightAware data shows the aircraft was flying at approximately 5,900 feet and traveling at 194 miles per hour shortly before the crash.

“There are still many unanswered questions surrounding this tragedy,” said aviation attorney Keith Williams of The Keith Williams Law Group. “When an aircraft accelerates unexpectedly and then loses altitude, investigators must look closely at whether a mechanical or maintenance-related issue played a role. That’s why reviewing the maintenance logs is so important.”

Williams emphasized that maintenance records can reveal whether required inspections were completed, whether known issues were properly addressed, and whether the aircraft was airworthy at the time of the flight.

“The NTSB’s investigation will take time, but the public deserves transparency,” Williams said. “Understanding whether this was a mechanical failure, a maintenance oversight, or something else entirely is essential—not just for accountability, but for aviation safety as a whole.”

The NTSB has not yet released preliminary findings. The investigation remains ongoing.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Airbus’ swift decision to ground and inspect thousands of A320-series aircraft following the discovery of a software-related fuselage panel defect is drawing praise from a leading U.S. aviation safety attorney.

Airbus last week ordered “immediate precautionary action” across its A320 Family fleet after determining that a software issue — traced to a system provided by French aerospace and defense supplier Thales — could compromise certain fuselage panels. The company said the majority of the roughly 6,000 affected aircraft have already received corrective updates, and fewer than 100 planes remain in the modification process.

Aviation attorney Keith Williams, founder of the Keith Williams Law Group and a longtime advocate for stronger commercial aviation safety standards, said Airbus’ aggressive response reflects the type of industry leadership that prevents disasters before they occur.

“Airbus made the hard call quickly, and that matters,” Williams said. “Grounding aircraft is never convenient for airlines or passengers, but it’s the right choice when safety is on the line. This kind of proactive action is how catastrophic failures are avoided.”

Williams added that the recall underscores the critical role of software integrity in modern aircraft. “Today’s airplanes are flying computers. When a system raises even a hint of structural risk, immediate transparency and rapid corrective action are essential.”

Airbus said it is working directly with airline customers to return the remaining aircraft to service as soon as their modifications are complete.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A leading aviation attorney says the UPS cargo jet that crashed in Louisville earlier this month — killing 14 people and injuring more than 20 — should have been subject to far more frequent safety inspections because of its age.

Keith Williams, an attorney who has represented families in major aviation disasters, says the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings raise urgent questions about whether current inspection schedules adequately protect crews and communities.

The NTSB’s November 20 preliminary report found a crack in the aircraft’s left engine mount, a failure that caused the engine to detach from the wing during flight. The November 4 crash also destroyed several nearby businesses.

According to the NTSB, UPS performs general and detailed visual inspections of engine mounts every 72 months. The aircraft’s last such inspection occurred in October 2021. While lubrications required every 24 months or 4,800 hours were completed, deeper-cycle inspections of mount lugs and wing supports were not yet due because the aircraft had recorded 21,043 cycles—below the required thresholds of 29,200 and 28,000 cycles, respectively.

Williams says relying solely on long-cycle inspections for an older aircraft leaves too much room for catastrophic failure.

“Waiting two to six years to reinspect a plane of this age is far too long,” Williams said. “Inspection schedules should evolve as aircraft age. A more proactive approach could prevent tragedies like this.”

He also questioned how the aircraft could have passed routine maintenance without the crack being discovered.

“How could such a serious defect go undetected during scheduled lubrication?” Williams said. “When even small structural issues are missed, the consequences can be devastating.”

Williams urged regulators and cargo carriers to reassess inspection protocols for aging fleets as the NTSB continues its investigation.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams is publicly backing the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to immediately ground all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft following last week’s catastrophic crash at the UPS air hub in Louisville, Kentucky.

On November 4, a 1991 MD-11 lost its left engine during takeoff, sparking a wing fire and crashing near the runway. Fourteen people — including all three crew members — were killed, and several nearby businesses were destroyed. In response, both UPS and FedEx voluntarily grounded the remaining MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft in their fleets while federal investigators began examining potential structural or age-related issues.

Williams, who has represented victims in major aviation disasters for more than 30 years, says the FAA’s action is not only appropriate but essential to restoring public confidence.

“The FAA made the right call,” Williams said. “Until we know whether aging components or maintenance gaps contributed to this tragedy, these aircraft should not be in the air. Every operator and regulator should be laser-focused on preventing another preventable loss of life.”

Williams said investigators will be scrutinizing inspection logs, maintenance records, and possible fatigue in aging aircraft parts — factors that historically play significant roles in cargo-aircraft incidents.

“Grounding the fleet is the only responsible choice while we wait for answers,” he added. “No package delivery schedule is worth risking another disaster.”

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

Says Age of Aircraft Raises Questions About Safety Oversight

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams of The Keith Williams Law Group is urging federal investigators to review maintenance and inspection records following last Monday’s fiery crash of a UPS cargo plane shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, bound for Honolulu, reportedly carried 26,000 gallons of fuel when it went down just after 5 p.m. local time. As it took off, the left wing caught fire and the left engine fell off. Fourteen people ­– including the three crew members – were killed and another 12 were hospitalized. The crash caused an explosion that leveled nearby businesses, including a recycling facility, where three employees were killed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that, two months ago, the plane had a crack and evidence of corrosion while it was at a facility in San Antonio, Texas. Once those were fixed, the plane resumed flying on an almost daily basis.

UPS said, out of an abundance of caution, they grounded all MD-11 aircraft. McDonnell-Douglas, meanwhile, announced it will phase out the MD-11.

“This accident raises serious questions about whether proper maintenance protocols were followed and if those repairs were satisfactorily made,” said Mr. Williams. “These aircraft are aging workhorses of the cargo fleet. The NTSB needs to determine whether mechanical or oversight issues played a role before tragedy strikes again.”

Mr. Williams, who has represented victims and families in major aviation disasters nationwide, added that the age of the MD-11F model should be a central focus of the investigation. The plane type first entered service in the early 1990s and remains a mainstay in cargo transport fleets worldwide.

“The public has a right to know whether this was an isolated failure or a symptom of a larger maintenance problem,” Mr. Williams said.

The NTSB has not yet released details on the possible cause of the crash.

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Aviation attorney Keith Williams said it is wise to reserve judgment until the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) can determine what caused a medical helicopter to crash.

On November 8, 2025, a LifeFlight helicopter carrying three people left from a helipad near the Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin, Tennessee, when it crashed in a field in the 7100 block of Cairo Bend Road between Gallatin and Lebanon, Tennessee in Wilson County. One person died and two people were hospitalized.  Thankfully, there were no patients on the helicopter at the time of the crash.

The helicopter was owned and operated by Air Methods LLC for the benefit of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  The aircraft was a 2015 Eurocopter EC 130T2 (Airbus Helicopters H130). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation.

Preliminary ADS-B radar data shows that the helicopter proceeded south to an inflight altitude of 4,100 feet.  About five minutes into the flight, the helicopter entered a 180-degree turn back towards the airport. Two minutes later, the helicopter was 1.90 miles south of the airport when it entered a descending right-hand turn towards an open field. The helicopter struck the top of a tree and impacted terrain. There was no post-crash fire.

“Since there are very few details right now, it’s difficult to determine how the crash occurred,” Mr. Williams says. “I suggest that we should hold off on making any unfounded assumptions about what happened.”

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

NASHVILLE, TENN. — A prominent aviation attorney is calling on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to scrutinize maintenance records after a deadly small-plane crash in Battle Ground, Washington — a case the NTSB has so far been unable to explain.

The crash, which killed the lone pilot on board a Cessna Skyhawk on September 26, has drawn national attention after the NTSB’s preliminary report listed the cause as “unknown.” But attorney Keith Williams, who has represented victims in dozens of high-profile aviation cases, says that’s not good enough.

“When a plane goes down without an immediate explanation, the first place investigators should look is the maintenance history,” said Williams, founder of the Keith Williams Law Group. “If there were no mechanical red flags, then communication logs between the pilot and tower should be reviewed. Right now, there are too many unanswered questions — and the public deserves answers.”

The Cessna had departed from Kelso, Washington, and was approaching Goheen Airport in Battle Ground when it lost control and crashed into a wooded area just west of the runway around 1:06 p.m. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the pilot was killed on impact.

Williams says it’s critical for the NTSB to take a more aggressive approach — both to bring closure to the victim’s family and to ensure public safety moving forward.

“This isn’t just about one crash. It’s about accountability and prevention,” Williams added.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

 

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About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

NASHVILLE, TENN. — A nationally recognized aviation attorney is raising serious concerns about a fatal crash near Centennial Airport, questioning whether the single-engine aircraft was properly inspected before takeoff — and why the engine failed mid-flight without warning.

The crash, which occurred on September 5, claimed the lives of both pilots aboard a Beech P35 Bonanza during an instructional flight. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft had been conducting multiple takeoffs and landings at Centennial Airport before it crashed near a generator and struck concrete barriers. Investigators confirmed the engine stopped during flight, but no distress call was ever made.

“Engine failure was the immediate cause — but that’s not where the investigation should end,” said Tennessee aviation attorney Keith Williams, who has represented families in numerous aircraft accident cases. “We need to know why the engine failed, and whether the aircraft was thoroughly inspected before departure. A pre-flight inspection isn’t optional — it’s a critical step in ensuring airworthiness.”

Williams says the lack of a distress call suggests the pilots may not have realized the engine was failing until it was too late — raising further questions about potential mechanical or maintenance issues.

“Every crash is a chain of preventable events,” Williams added. “If that chain began on the ground, the public deserves to know.”

The NTSB investigation is ongoing. No final determination has been made regarding maintenance records or potential contributing factors beyond engine failure.

In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.

For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.

 

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* Photo is attached.

About Keith Williams Law Group

With two convenient locations, one in downtown Nashville and the other on the historic town square in Lebanon, Keith Williams Law Group can help its clients achieve the maximum possible compensation for their injuries. Its attorneys represent those who have been injured as a result of car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, aviation accidents, highway work zone accidents, defective products, and trucker broker negligence. For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.