Full Breakdown
Amazon Suspends Work with 21 Air After Fatal Miami Runway Overrun
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 6, a Boeing 767-33A freighter operated by cargo carrier 21 Air overran the diagonal runway at Miami International Airport shortly before 2 p.m. local time. The aircraft left the paved surface, traveled about 1,300 feet, and collided with two ground vehicles, killing five occupants of the vehicles and injuring five others, including the two pilots who were later released from the hospital. The flight, designated Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598, was on its third leg of the day, having originated in Cincinnati, stopped in Miami, and then flown to San Juan, Puerto Rico, before the crash on its return to Miami.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary data released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate the crew expressed concern about excessive speed during the final minute of the approach. One pilot repeatedly noted the aircraft was “too fast,” and fifteen seconds before the cockpit voice recording ended, a pilot called for an aborted landing, increasing throttles to go-around thrust. Four seconds later the throttles were reduced to idle, and the recorder captured sounds consistent with the aircraft departing the runway surface. The NTSB also reported multiple “too low, terrain” warnings from the aircraft’s systems prior to touchdown. No evidence of speed-brake or thrust-reverser deployment has been found. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the scene as “utter devastation.”
Official Statements & Responses
- Amazon – In a news-blog post on September 13, Amazon announced it was pausing operations with 21 Air, stating:
- “We’ve spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we’ve decided to pause our operations with 21 Air,” — Caption Hide Caption Amazon
- 21 Air – The carrier issued a statement affirming confidence in its safety policies, procedures and training, and pledged to cooperate fully with the NTSB and Amazon as the investigation proceeds.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 freighter (originally a passenger jet, 1994-2015).
- Fatalities: 5 ground-vehicle occupants.
- Injuries: 5 (including both pilots).
- Overrun distance: approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway.
- Flight legs that day: three (Cincinnati -> Miami, Miami -> San Juan, San Juan -> Miami).
Impact and Next Steps
Amazon’s suspension of work with 21 Air affects its Prime Air cargo network while the NTSB continues its investigation. The incident has prompted a wrongful-death lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court alleging pilot error, inadequate training, and the use of an aging aircraft. Both Amazon and 21 Air have indicated ongoing support for the investigation and for those affected, but no timeline for resuming the partnership has been provided.