NTSB data reveals failed braking systems and aborted landing attempt in fatal Miami Amazon jet crash

Key points

• NTSB data shows speed brakes and thrust reversers did not deploy during the crash, despite wheel brakes being applied.
• Flight data indicates pilots briefly increased throttle to full power, suggesting an attempt to abort the landing (go-around) before the crash.
• The crash killed five employees of Professional Ocean Service Corp. and injured five others, including pilots Felipe Silva Molina and Joseph Carroll.
• Miami International Airport lacks an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), raising questions about safety measures to prevent aircraft from leaving the runway.
• Former 21 Air pilots have raised concerns about safety issues at the company, which operates the Amazon cargo jet.

Background

The crash occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, when Prime Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air, overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport while landing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The aircraft struck a van carrying seven workers from Professional Ocean Service Corp. and a nearby SUV, killing five people and injuring five others. The NTSB has been investigating the crash, focusing on factors such as landing speed, braking, weather, and the aircraft’s maintenance history. The crash disrupted flights at Miami International Airport, with dozens of cancellations and delays reported in the days following the incident.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post highlighted the emotional distress of the pilots, reporting that one pilot exclaimed 'My career is over' moments after the crash. Fox News emphasized the NTSB’s findings that key braking systems did not deploy, while CNN detailed the sequence of events, including the brief increase in throttle that suggested a go-around attempt. The Miami Herald focused on the ongoing investigation and the impact on airport operations, noting that former 21 Air pilots had raised safety concerns. All sources agreed on the basic facts of the crash but differed in their emphasis on the technical details, the human impact, and the broader safety implications.

Why it matters

The crash underscores the importance of proper braking systems and safety measures at airports, particularly those surrounded by urban areas. The lack of an EMAS at Miami International Airport has raised questions about whether the airport needs better equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future. The crash also highlights the need for thorough investigations into the safety records of cargo operators and the importance of pilot training and experience in preventing such tragedies.

What to watch

The NTSB is expected to interview the two pilots and release the cockpit voice recorder data after the interviews. The agency will continue to investigate the crash, focusing on factors such as the aircraft’s performance, the pilots’ actions, and the safety measures in place at the airport. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, with a final report to be released in the coming months.