Investigation Underway After Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami
Officials reported on Tuesday that critical braking mechanisms failed to operate during a tragic plane crash on Sunday, when an Amazon cargo jet at Miami International Airport overran the runway and collided with two vehicles, resulting in five fatalities.
While the plane’s wheel brakes were engaged, the data available indicates that the speed brakes and thrust reversers did not activate, as noted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Chihoon Shin, the NTSB investigator leading the case, stated, “There was no indication in the recorded data that speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed.” He also mentioned that the investigators are planning to interview the pilots involved but refrained from speculating on what could have gone wrong during the landing.
Amazon Cargo Jet Crash Claims Lives
Reflecting on the situation, Shin remarked, “When we analyze the full list of parameters, we’ll have a better idea of the aircraft’s performance during this landing. Was it normal? Was it not? What was functioning, and what wasn’t? So, I’m not going to speculate on what should have been right now.”
He emphasized the importance of speaking with the crew to understand how they managed the controls, which will provide crucial insights into the incident.
Victims of the Plane Crash Identified
While the identities of the pilots have not been disclosed, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy provided information on their backgrounds. The captain, aged 55, had accumulated 7,145 flight hours, while the first officer, 37 years old, had a total of 2,655 flight hours, both according to their respective Class 1 medical certificates.
Authorities confirmed that there were no hazardous materials onboard during the flight, with the majority of the cargo being contact lenses.
The crash, involving Prime Air Flight 7598, resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to five more. Seven victims were in a van that was crushed while on airport grounds. The aircraft then broke through the airport fence and struck an additional civilian vehicle before finally stopping near a parking lot.
