Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami highlights safety concerns at 21 Air

A Boeing 767 cargo plane operated by 21 Air for Amazon overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, striking two ground vehicles and killing five workers who were cleaning the aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board said cockpit voice recordings captured warnings that the aircraft was approaching too fast, yet the crew continued the landing. Flight data showed the plane touched down at about 180 miles per hour, attempted a brief go-around, and then traveled roughly 1,300 feet beyond the runway end.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of 21 Air’s safety practices. Former pilots had previously raised concerns about the carrier’s safety culture, and a former pilot union president said he feared an accident. The NTSB reported that the captain had held a Boeing 767 certification for less than five months and the first officer for under 18 months.

Amazon, which contracts with nine carriers for its air freight, said its carrier model follows standard industry practice and that all partners are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. A company spokesperson emphasized that safety is a top priority for Amazon and its network.

The crash follows two other recent incidents involving Boeing 767s linked to Amazon shipments: a 2019 crash in Texas that killed three people and a 2024 runway overrun in Canada that caused no injuries. The NTSB is investigating the Miami accident and is examining the contractual relationship and safety provisions between Amazon and 21 Air. Both companies have pledged cooperation with the investigation.