What I don't understand is this:

The MD-11 has flown for close to 30 years now. I don't know individual plane ages; some may be younger than others. It's mother plane, the DC-10, flew for around the same time and some individual planes are still flying.

How many engine departures can we count that are -strictly- due to metal fatigue or failed pylons, and not due to poor maintenance procedures? If this is such a systemic issue, why hasn't it happened?

I am just a laywoman; I am not a professional, but I find it intriguing. Perhaps this was the year the planes just hit the end of their lifespans. But we still don't know why the engine departed. Until we do, I won't blame the airplane.

MD-11's have had some sticky past issues, not to mention the DC-10. But both planes are workhorses. After flaws were fixed in the DC-10 (And yes, it was an incredibly negligent and evil flaw, due to them KNOWING ABOUT IT before the plane was released.) it became a fantastic plane; I've flown on them myself! Many pilots that flew them say they are lovely to fly!

I just cannot blame the plane until the facts are entirely in. I can't and I won't. I love tri-jets, I have a fondness for this family of aircraft, and I hope they can continue to soar until they physically cannot anymore.