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NTSB: Boeing, FAA Misjudged MD-11 Safety Risk

May 20, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

NTSB says Boeing and FAA miscalculated safety risk in MD-11 fleet.
10 reports of spherical bearing race failure between 2002 and 2022.
Boeing did not mandate action despite repeated failures.
FAA did not disagree with Boeing's safety determination.

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Strategic Implications

This investigation may indicate gaps in the safety evaluation process used by Boeing and the FAA. The failure to address repeated part failures could suggest a need for more stringent oversight, which may impact the certification and maintenance of aircraft components. The NTSB's findings could lead to changes in industry practices and regulatory policies.

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What Happened

Federal Investigators Examine Deadly Crash And Oversight Failures

The National Transportation Safety Board has found that Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration failed to properly assess the safety risk associated with the MD-11 cargo plane’s spherical bearing race, which fractured in several instances between 2002 and 2022. The part’s failure was a contributing factor in a November 2025 crash that killed 15 people. Boeing had determined that previous reports of the part’s failure did not pose a safety risk, and the FAA did not disagree with this assessment. The NTSB’s investigation has revealed gaps in the process used by Boeing and the FAA to evaluate safety concerns, according to The Seattle Times.

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