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Tokyo Accident Latest for Much-Derided Plane

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2009 2:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – A notoriously finicky airplane may have contributed to the Tokyo crash that killed two American FedEx pilots today, the Wall Street Journal reports. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is believed to handle poorly in high winds, which were reported at the time of the crash. Though problems with the flight-control systems were addressed by the company nearly 10 years ago, they were blamed in a series of accidents.

Another common complaint with the MD-11 is an exaggerated reaction to vertical movement commands. In the Tokyo crash, the plane’s nose swung down drastically twice before the aircraft flipped and burst into flames. The MD-11 was phased out of passenger use because of poor fuel economy and the flight-control issues, but is popular with freight carriers.

A graphic shows the number of incidents involving MD-11 aircraft since 1992.
A graphic shows the number of incidents involving MD-11 aircraft since 1992.   (AP Photo)
Rescue workers search the burnt fuselage of a FedEx cargo plane after it crashed on landing amid strong winds at New Tokyo International Airport in Narita.
Rescue workers search the burnt fuselage of a FedEx cargo plane after it crashed on landing amid strong winds at New Tokyo International Airport in Narita.   (AP Photo)
The crash from the air.
The crash from the air.   (AP Photo)
Firefighters and airport officials investigate the crash site.
Firefighters and airport officials investigate the crash site.   (AP Photo)
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