NTSB reveals Amazon pilot called for go-around seconds before Miami crash

Key points

• NTSB data shows the plane’s throttles were set to full power and a 'go-around' was called 15 seconds before the crash, but speed brakes and thrust reversers were not deployed.
• Witness Abraham Altamar stated a pilot appeared shaken and bruised, telling him 'My career is over' before calling his wife to confirm he was alive.
• The crash killed five people in a cleaning van and injured five others; the two pilots, Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, were released from the hospital with minor injuries.
• Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava exchanged letters disputing who should lead public communications during the emergency, with the sheriff arguing law enforcement incidents require her lead.
• The NTSB is scheduled to release cockpit voice recordings for further analysis, while a preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks.

Background

The crash occurred on September 6, 2026, involving Amazon Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767 arriving from Puerto Rico. The aircraft carried approximately 32,000 pounds of cargo, primarily contact lenses. Earlier reports confirmed the identities of the five victims and the two surviving pilots. The incident caused a significant shutdown of Miami International Airport and triggered a fuel spill requiring environmental cleanup.

How outlets are covering it

WPBF emphasized the emotional state of the pilots, highlighting witness accounts of their distress and physical injuries. ABC News focused on the technical findings from the cockpit voice recorder, detailing the specific timeline of the 'go-around' call and the lack of speed brake deployment. The Miami Herald highlighted the political fallout, focusing on the jurisdictional conflict between the sheriff and mayor regarding emergency management authority, rather than the crash mechanics.

Why it matters

The NTSB findings suggest a potential failure in the abort procedure, raising questions about pilot training and aircraft systems. The local government dispute highlights the risks of unclear emergency protocols in large jurisdictions, potentially delaying critical public information during future disasters.

What to watch

The NTSB will release full cockpit voice recordings for analysis. A preliminary investigation report is expected in the next few weeks. Local officials are expected to negotiate new protocols for public communications during emergencies to prevent similar conflicts.