On 6 September 2026, a tragic incident at Miami International Airport resulted in the crash of an Amazon Air cargo plane, claiming the lives of five individuals on the ground. The Boeing 767-300 overran the runway, colliding with vehicles during its landing attempt. Investigators are currently delving into the causes of the disaster, with preliminary findings released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shedding light on the events that transpired.
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Aviation expert Anthony Brickhouse shared insights on the ongoing investigation, questioning the decision-making processes of the pilots as they seemingly ignored indications that their landing approach was flawed. According to Brickhouse, who serves as a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has extensive experience in safety and accident investigation, the crucial concern lies in understanding why the pilots continued with their landing despite signs that they were travelling “too fast.”
Details from the NTSB indicate that the flight data recorder (FDR) revealed key moments during the landing sequence. The aircraft made contact with the runway at a speed of 158 knots, roughly 181 miles per hour. Only seconds later, the pilots began to apply the brakes and reduce engine power when the aircraft was still travelling at 146 knots (168 mph). At one point, they even increased engine power, suggesting an intention to execute a go-around – an attempt to abandon the landing and circle back for another approach.
The crash investigation has revealed that one pilot consistently communicated concerns about excessive speed during the approach. Over the course of nearly two minutes, he reiterated that they were going “too fast,” indicating a growing awareness of the situation. Unfortunately, despite these warnings, the aircraft continued on its perilous trajectory, culminating in the tragic outcome.
Brickhouse views the initial release of such information as a double-edged sword. While it can lead to informed speculation, it may also prompt misplaced blame on the pilots by individuals untrained in aviation investigations. As Brickhouse explains, the complexities of aviation incidents extend well beyond surface-level assessments of pilot error. He emphasises the importance of examining not only the actions of the pilots, but also the aircraft’s condition, environmental factors, and the broader safety culture within the airline.
Investigators will seek answers to various questions that may illuminate what went wrong on that fateful day. Among these are queries regarding the prescribed landing speed, the pilots’ decision to touch down rather than execute a go-around, and the impact of possible adverse weather conditions, including storms in the area. Brickhouse noted that tailwinds could have contributed to the aircraft’s excessive speed upon landing.
Subsequent analysis of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) is expected to provide additional context into the pilots’ decisions. Brickhouse suggests investigators might be exploring the reasoning behind operators’ choices made during critical moments and understanding how their decisions align with established safety protocols.
Historically, incidents of runway overruns have been more prevalent in general aviation than in the commercial sector, yet they remain a serious concern. While there is a tendency to pinpoint pilot error when such occurrences unfold, Brickhouse urges caution, as determining the definite causes of accidents involves exploring a myriad of dynamics that might have contributed to the situation.
In conclusion, the investigation into the Amazon Air cargo plane crash is still in its early stages. The NTSB has indicated that a preliminary report is typically available within 30 days of such incidents, followed by a comprehensive final report that can take up to two years to complete. As investigators piece together the facts, the aviation community continues to grapple with the lessons learned and the imperative of ensuring the safety of all those who take to the skies.