Amazon halts use of cargo company involved in deadly Miami plane crash for time being: report
Amazon has temporarily halted operations with cargo carrier 21 Air after a Boeing 767 cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, killing five people. The decision follows an ongoing NTSB investigation and concerns over 21 Air’s safety record. Amazon will use other c…
Amazon has announced a temporary suspension of its partnership with cargo carrier 21 Air after a fatal Boeing 767 cargo aircraft overran a runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, killing five people and injuring five others. The decision comes after the company reviewed the circumstances surrounding the crash and the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.
What Happened at Miami International Airport
Flight 7598, an Amazon‑branded cargo plane operated by 21 Air, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico when it overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport. The aircraft touched down, then continued forward, striking a van that was carrying cleaning crew members and a second vehicle before coming to a stop. All five people in the van were killed, and five others were wounded. Both pilots survived with minor injuries.
Data from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed that one pilot was attempting to land while the other repeatedly warned that the aircraft was traveling too fast. About fifteen seconds after touchdown, a pilot called for a go‑around, a maneuver in which a plane aborts its landing and climbs back to the runway to land again. The flight data recorder (FDR) indicated that thrust increased during the landing, consistent with a go‑around attempt, but speed brakes and thrust reversers were not deployed, leaving the aircraft unable to slow down quickly.
Amazon’s Response and Operational Shift
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told NBC News that the company has spent time supporting the NTSB investigation and reviewing the surrounding circumstances. "After the tragic incident last weekend, 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," Nantel said. The pause is intended to allow Amazon to assess safety and operational risks while the investigation continues.
To maintain its delivery commitments, Amazon has announced that it will use other carriers to transport shipments that would have been handled by 21 Air. The list of alternative partners includes Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines, and Cargojet.
21 Air’s Safety Record and Company Statements
21 Air, a North Carolina‑incorporated company controlled by Houston Astros owner Jim Crane through an LLC, has faced safety concerns from former pilots. Former pilot Karl Seuring filed a legal complaint alleging maintenance issues and poor pilot quality, while retired pilot Tony Bless noted longstanding concerns about the company’s safety practices. These concerns were echoed by the company’s CEO, Keith Winters, who expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged cooperation with investigators.
In a statement released after the crash, 21 Air emphasized its commitment to safety policies, procedures, and training. The company also reiterated its focus on supporting those affected by the incident and working closely with the NTSB and partners, including Amazon.
Investigative Findings and Unresolved Questions
The NTSB’s investigation has released preliminary findings from the CVR and FDR. The data suggests that the aircraft was traveling at an unsafe speed during landing, and that the pilots did not deploy critical deceleration systems. However, the NTSB has not yet determined why the speed brakes and thrust reversers were not used, and the investigation into the root causes of the overrun is ongoing.
The incident has highlighted broader questions about cargo airline safety standards, pilot training, and maintenance oversight. While Amazon’s pause reflects a cautious approach, the aviation community is watching closely to see whether additional regulatory scrutiny or industry-wide changes will result.
What Happens Next?
Amazon will continue to support the NTSB investigation and monitor the situation closely. The company has not yet indicated a timeline for when it might resume operations with 21 Air, if at all. 21 Air remains focused on cooperating with investigators and maintaining its safety protocols. The investigation will likely conclude with a formal report detailing the causes and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.
For now, Amazon’s use of alternative carriers ensures that delivery services remain operational, while the aviation industry and regulators await the NTSB’s final findings.
Why it matters
The crash underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety standards in cargo aviation and highlights how major logistics companies like Amazon must balance operational efficiency with safety oversight.
Key points
- Amazon has suspended its partnership with 21 Air after a fatal cargo plane overrun at Miami.
- The crash killed five people and injured five others, with both pilots surviving.
- Investigations show the aircraft was too fast and failed to deploy speed brakes or thrust reversers.
- Amazon will use other carriers to fill the gap while the investigation continues.
- 21 Air has a history of safety concerns reported by former pilots.
- The NTSB investigation is still ongoing and has not yet identified all causes.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Amazon suspend its use of 21 Air?
Amazon paused operations with 21 Air after reviewing the circumstances of the crash and supporting the NTSB investigation, citing safety concerns.
What carriers will Amazon use instead?
Amazon will use Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines, and Cargojet to handle shipments previously assigned to 21 Air.
What caused the plane to overrun the runway?
Preliminary data indicates the aircraft was traveling too fast, failed to deploy speed brakes or thrust reversers, and the pilots did not respond consistently to speed warnings.
Has 21 Air responded to the crash?
Yes, 21 Air’s CEO expressed condolences, pledged cooperation with investigators, and reiterated confidence in its safety procedures.
