FAA grounds all Boeing MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft due to risk of engine detachment
The global Boeing MD-11 and MD-11F fleet is grounded by an FAA order until a mandatory inspection of the engine pylons is completed
- La FAA emitió una Directiva de Aeronavegabilidad de emergencia (AD 2025-23-51) que prohíbe de inmediato el vuelo de todos los Boeing MD-11 y MD-11F hasta inspección y reparación de los pilones de motor.
- La medida fue motivada por un accidente en el que el motor y el pilón izquierdo se desprendieron durante el despegue; la causa está bajo investigación.
- La prohibición incluye la suspensión de permisos especiales de vuelo para trasladar las aeronaves a mantenimiento, salvo aprobación específica por AMOC.
- Las inspecciones y acciones correctivas deben realizarse mediante un método aprobado por el Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch de la FAA.
- La FAA aplicó la medida como acción de emergencia sin periodo de aviso y comentarios por considerarla necesaria e inmediata; la AD es una medida provisional sujeta a cambios según avance la investigación.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), identified as 2025-23-51, ordering the immediate flight prohibition for all Boeing MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This drastic measure, which applies to all aircraft of this model “certificated in any category”, is effective upon receipt, as detailed in the official FAA document.
The accident prompting the directive
The FAA explains this emergency AD was prompted by an accident where the left-hand engine and pylon detached from the airplane during takeoff. The document explicitly states that the cause of the detachment is currently under investigation.
Despite the root cause being unknown, the agency determined this unsafe condition is severe. The FAA warns this failure could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing and believes it is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
- ¿Qué exige la Directiva de Aeronavegabilidad de emergencia AD 2025-23-51?
Prohíbe de inmediato el vuelo de todos los Boeing MD-11 y MD-11F hasta que se inspeccionen los pilones de motor y se realicen las acciones correctivas aprobadas por la FAA (Manager, AIR-520).
- ¿Por qué se emitió esta directiva de emergencia?
Se emitió tras un accidente en el que el motor y el pilón izquierdo se desprendieron durante el despegue; aunque la causa está en investigación, la FAA consideró que existe un riesgo inminente para la seguridad de vuelo.
- ¿Se pueden trasladar las aeronaves a un taller para reparación bajo la directiva?
En general no; la AD suspende los permisos especiales de vuelo (14 CFR 21.197 y 21.199). Solo se permite un traslado si se obtiene aprobación específica mediante procedimientos de AMOC.
- ¿Es definitiva esta medida?
No; la FAA la considera una acción interina sujeta a revisión. A medida que avance la investigación del accidente, podrían surgir hallazgos que conduzcan a acciones reglamentarias adicionales.
The specific technical area affected is identified under Air Transport Association (ATA) of America code 54, corresponding to nacelles/pylons.
Flight prohibition and mandatory corrective action
The central requirement of AD 2025-23-51 is blunt. Effective upon receipt of the directive, further flight is prohibited.The prohibition remains in effect until the airplane is inspected and all applicable corrective actions are performed. The FAA specifies this process cannot be done arbitrarily; it must be done using a method approved by the Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA.
The directive also suspends the ability to move the aircraft to maintenance facilities. The document states that special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed. The only exception would be to obtain specific approval through Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) procedures.
Justification for emergency action
The FAA issued this directive without the usual public notice and comment period, a measure reserved for serious threats. The agency bases its decision on the fact that an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this emergency AD for all known U.S. operators.
The agency determined that the risk to the flying public and safety in air commerce justifies forgoing notice and comment. The FAA concluded that the immediate compliance time is shorter than the time necessary for the public to comment, making the standard consultation procedure impracticable and contrary to the public interest.
Finally, the FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. This means that as the accident investigation progresses, new findings may emerge. If final action is later identified, the document concludes, the FAA might consider further rulemaking then.
