I hope the FAA will soon let everyone know what the "unsafe condition" is that led to the immediate grounding of all MD-11, with (currently) no way to return to service.
(Yes, the engine fell off, but what is suddenly so dangerous after decades of operation?)

Some speculation on my part: it appears that the engine separated during rotation, which is when the stresses on the pylon are the largest, so is the most likely time to fail. The pylon is supposed to shear off under overload without compromising the wing structure, certainly without creating a huge fuel fire. Maybe there is reason to believe the pylon did not do all it was supposed to do.

https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID188588539020251108211920.0001

#ups2976 #FAA #EASA #AD #EAD #MD11 #AviationAccident #AirworthinessDirective #AD20252351