On Tuesday, authorities reported that critical braking systems did not activate during a deadly crash after an Amazon cargo jet overshot the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday. The plane collided with two vehicles, resulting in five fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that although wheel brakes were used, speed brakes and thrust reversers were not.
Chihoon Shin, the NTSB investigator in charge, stated that the recorded data offered no indication that either speed brakes or thrust reversers were engaged. The investigation team plans to conduct interviews with the pilots but will refrain from speculating on what should have occurred during the landing.
An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 crashed and struck vehicles near Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026, as reported by Al Diaz from the Miami Herald. Shin explained that a detailed review of all parameters would provide clearer insights into the aircraft’s performance during the landing.
“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? And what was working and what was not,” said Shin.
Investigators aim to understand the pilots’ handling of the controls to gain complete insight into the incident. Although the identities of the pilots have not been disclosed, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy shared details about their experience. The captain, aged 55, possessed 7,145 flight hours and held a current Class 1 medical certificate from March 31, 2026. The first officer, aged 37, had accumulated 2,655 flight hours with a valid Class 1 medical certificate from April 13, 2026.
The NTSB confirmed that no hazardous materials were present on the plane, which mainly carried contact lenses, totaling 32,222 pounds, alongside a flight kit. The devastating crash of Prime Air Flight 7598 left five individuals dead and injured another five. Seven victims were inside a van crushed during the incident. The aircraft eventually breached the airport fence and hit another vehicle before stopping near a parking lot.