NTSB data reveals full throttle application before Amazon plane crash kills five in Miami

Key points

• Five victims were identified as employees of Professional Ocean Service Corp, a cleaning contractor: Rolando Aleman Leon, Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, Julio C. Pineda, Carlos Acosta Fajardo, and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo.
• The NTSB reported that the flight data recorder showed the pilots applied full throttle 15 seconds before the crash, despite the plane traveling at nearly 140 mph, before returning to idle four seconds later.
• The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air, overran Runway 30 by 1,300 feet, striking a Ford Econoline van and a Toyota Corolla Cross before coming to rest near a Tesla robotaxi parking lot.
• The two pilots, Joseph Carroll and Jaime Molina, were treated for minor injuries and released; three other victims remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition.
• Miami International Airport lacks an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), a safety feature that could have stopped the plane, though officials note the runway meets current FAA safety area requirements.

Background

This incident follows a series of earlier reports from our archive detailing the initial crash on September 7, 2026, and the subsequent identification of victims on September 8. Previous coverage established that the aircraft was a 32-year-old Boeing 767 converted to cargo, operated by 21 Air, and that the crash occurred during the plane's third flight of the day, having traveled from Cincinnati to Miami to San Juan. The current briefing synthesizes new NTSB findings regarding pilot actions and safety infrastructure that were not detailed in the initial breaking news.

How outlets are covering it

While WSVN 7News focused on the identification of the five deceased victims and the emotional impact on their families, CNN provided a technical analysis of the crash mechanics. CNN highlighted that the plane was traveling at 130 mph when it left the runway and that the pilots applied full power seconds before impact, a detail not emphasized in the primary source. WSVN noted the release of the pilots and the hospitalization of three others, while CNN detailed the specific injuries and flight hours of the pilots. Both sources agree on the identities of the victims and the involvement of Professional Ocean Service Corp, but CNN offered more detail on the lack of EMAS safety systems at Miami International Airport, a point not covered in the WSVN report.

Why it matters

The crash highlights critical safety gaps in airport infrastructure and pilot decision-making during adverse weather conditions. The NTSB's finding that full throttle was applied before the crash raises serious questions about pilot error or system failure, potentially leading to regulatory changes. The absence of an EMAS system at Miami International Airport, despite being surrounded by urban areas, has sparked debate about whether current FAA requirements are sufficient to prevent such tragedies in densely populated regions.

What to watch

The NTSB is expected to release an investigative update on Wednesday, including the cockpit voice recorder readout. Investigators will interview the pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers to understand why the throttles were advanced. The agency will also examine the aircraft's maintenance history and the operational practices of 21 Air. The investigation is expected to take at least a week to complete, with a focus on determining the probable cause of the crash.