21 Air Crash That Killed 5 Draws Amazon Contract Scrutiny as NTSB Probes 158-Knot Landing
Updated
Updated · Simple Flying · Sep 13
21 Air Crash That Killed 5 Draws Amazon Contract Scrutiny as NTSB Probes 158-Knot Landing
3 articles · Updated · Simple Flying · Sep 13
Summary
NTSB data show the 21 Air Boeing 767 touched down at 158 knots at Miami, briefly added go-around thrust, then overran Runway 30 and killed five people on the ground.
Investigators found no sign speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed before the recording ended, and one pilot had warned the aircraft was too fast on approach.
Former 21 Air pilots and safety staff told NPR and CBS they had long raised concerns about reporting pressure, crew rest, maintenance and pilot experience; the carrier disputes those allegations.
Amazon’s contractor model is now part of the probe because 21 Air flies 8 aircraft in its network of more than 100 planes operated by nine carriers.
The broader investigation is examining crew decisions, weather, aircraft systems, maintenance history and Amazon-21 Air safety responsibilities, with regulators now weighing safeguards for outsourced cargo operations.