Federal safety investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated hearings to probe the cause of a tragic UPS cargo plane crash that killed 15 people in November 2022. The hearings aim to uncover why an engine detached from the MD-11 aircraft during takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, leading to a catastrophic descent and a fireball upon impact with nearby businesses. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed condolences to victims' families, emphasizing the importance of understanding the incident. The hearings, which involve representatives from Boeing, UPS, labor unions, and other stakeholders, are expected to conclude on Wednesday, but a final report will take over a year to complete. Investigators have identified cracks in engine mount parts that had gone unnoticed during routine maintenance checks, raising questions about the adequacy of inspection protocols. Following the crash, the FAA approved measures to replace faulty bearings and enhance inspections for MD-11 aircraft, allowing some to return to service, while UPS plans to retire its fleet of these planes.