Miami, Fla. – Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed early findings from the deadly crash of an Amazon Prime Air cargo jet at Miami International Airport on Sunday. While the aircraft’s wheel brakes were applied, data shows that the speed brakes and thrust reversers never deployed, a factor that likely contributed to the aircraft overrunning the runway and striking two civilian vehicles.
What the data revealed
According to NTSB investigator Chihoon Shin, the recorded flight parameters contain “no indication that speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed.” The investigator emphasized that the board will continue to analyze the full suite of data to determine whether the aircraft’s performance during landing was normal or abnormal.
Pilot experience
The NTSB also released limited background on the flight crew. The captain, 55, holds a Class 1 medical certificate dated March 31, 2026 and has logged 7,145 flight hours. The first officer, 37, holds a Class 1 medical certificate dated April 13, 2026 with 2,655 flight hours. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Cargo and victims
Officials confirmed that the plane was not carrying hazardous materials. The cargo consisted primarily of contact lenses, weighing roughly 32,222 pounds, along with a standard flight kit. The crash resulted in five fatalities and five injuries. Seven of the victims were occupants of a van that was crushed on airport property; the aircraft then breached the airport fence and struck a second civilian vehicle before coming to a stop near a parking lot.
Next steps in the investigation
Shin said investigators plan to interview the pilots to understand how the controls were manipulated during the landing. “We need to talk to the crew and get their account to understand how they’re manipulating the controls in order to get a better understanding of the situation,” he explained.
The NTSB has not offered speculation about what should have happened, noting that a thorough review of all flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and crew testimony will be required before any conclusions can be drawn.
Community impact
The tragedy has shaken the Miami community, prompting airport officials to review safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Local emergency services responded quickly, but the loss of life underscores the inherent risks of air cargo operations near populated areas.
Authorities continue to work with Amazon, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other stakeholders to determine any corrective actions that may be needed to prevent a similar incident in the future.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
