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Miami cargo plane approach speed warnings are at the center of a National Transportation Safety Board investigation after cockpit recordings indicated that a pilot tried to abort the landing moments before an Amazon Air cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport.
The aircraft overran the runway, struck a Ford Econoline van used by an aircraft-cleaning company, and left five people dead. Five others were injured in the crash, including the plane’s two pilots, who were later treated and released from the hospital.
Critical Miami Cargo Plane Approach Speed Warnings Revealed
According to an NTSB summary released Wednesday, one of the pilots warned that the plane was traveling too fast approximately 1 minute and 42 seconds before the crash. The pilot continued making comments about the aircraft’s “excessive speed” throughout the remaining cockpit voice recording.
The cockpit voice recorder contained more than two hours of audio. Investigators released selected details from the final moments as they work to determine why the landing attempt ended in a deadly runway overrun.
About 30 seconds before the crash, investigators heard sounds similar to the aircraft touching down. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of the pilots called for a “go-around,” the standard command used when a crew decides to abandon a landing and climb away for another attempt.
Just five seconds after the go-around call, the plane had veered off the runway, according to the NTSB. The short timeline is now a major focus of the investigation.
What the Flight Data Recorder Shows
NTSB officials previously discussed information recovered from the flight data recorder. The aircraft was in the landing phase when, several seconds before the recording ended, the throttles increased in a way consistent with go-around thrust.
Investigators also found that the brakes were reapplied and remained engaged until the end of the recording. However, there was no indication that the plane’s speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed.
Those details could help investigators reconstruct the crew’s actions during the final seconds. The findings do not yet establish the cause of the crash, and officials have cautioned that the investigation remains ongoing.
Deadly Runway Overrun Leaves Five Victims
Amazon Air Flight 7598 was arriving from Puerto Rico and carrying approximately 32,000 pounds of mostly contact lenses. After leaving the runway, the aircraft hit a van with seven people inside.
The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office identified the five people killed as:
- Rolando Aleman Leon, 55
- Yoel Rodriguez Narajo, 53
- Julio C. Pineda, 75
- Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53
- Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47
The crash caused extensive damage to the aircraft and the surrounding vehicles. Law enforcement officers and aviation investigators continued examining the destroyed engine, runway area, and wreckage in the days after the incident.
NTSB Interviews and Preliminary Report Ahead
The NTSB expected to interview the two pilots on the same day it released the cockpit voice recorder summary. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said at an earlier briefing that investigators were working to gather a complete account of the landing attempt.
The agency did not release information from the pilot interviews in its Wednesday update. Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions, aircraft performance, crew decisions, runway conditions, braking, and the timing of the attempted go-around.
A preliminary report is expected in the next few weeks. Such a report typically provides early factual findings, but it may not identify a final cause. A complete investigation can take considerably longer as officials analyze records, maintenance history, human factors, and operational procedures.
Why the Findings Matter for Aviation Safety
The newly released Miami cargo plane approach speed warnings highlight how quickly a high-risk landing can develop. A decision to go around is an important safety measure, but the aircraft must have enough runway, control, and time to complete the maneuver safely.
The investigation could prompt closer attention to approach speeds, landing performance, runway safety areas, braking procedures, and cockpit communication. Until the NTSB completes its work, officials have not assigned blame or announced any broader safety recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Amazon cargo plane in Miami?
Amazon Air Flight 7598 overran a runway at Miami International Airport, struck a company van, and crashed. Five people were killed and five others were injured.
What did the cockpit recording reveal?
The recording indicated that a pilot warned about the plane’s excessive speed and later called for a “go-around” shortly before the aircraft left the runway.
Were the pilots killed in the crash?
No. Both pilots were injured, treated at a hospital, and later released, according to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office.
What is the NTSB investigating?
Investigators are reviewing the approach speed, landing, braking, thrust changes, attempted go-around, aircraft condition, runway factors, and crew actions.
When will the preliminary report be released?
The NTSB said a preliminary report is expected in the next few weeks, although a final determination may take much longer.
