Federal investigators are examining the Sept. 6, 2026, crash of a Prime Air cargo plane at Miami International Airport, where the aircraft overran a runway, struck vehicles, and caught fire, resulting in five fatalities among plane-cleaning workers and five injuries. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cockpit voice recordings indicate that automatic warning signals blared and one pilot noted the aircraft was moving too fast, yet the crew proceeded with the landing. Flight data showed the plane touched down at roughly 180 miles per hour, briefly attempted a takeoff, and then slid approximately 1,300 feet past the runway. Aviation experts, including Aero Consulting Experts CEO Ross Aimer, criticized the approach as dangerously unstable, noting that standard procedure required a go-around. The incident has intensified scrutiny on 21 Air, the carrier operating the flight for Amazon, as well as Amazon’s reliance on multiple smaller contractors. Former employees have previously raised safety and compensation concerns, claims that 21 Air and its former leadership have disputed. Amazon defended its carrier model as standard industry practice, stating it partners with FAA-certified operators and takes safety allegations seriously. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that investigators are examining the relationship and safety provisions between Amazon and 21 Air as the probe continues.
Source: npr.org
