Daijiworld Media Network - Miami
Miami, Sep 14: Amazon has suspended its operations with cargo carrier 21 Air following the deadly crash of an Amazon-branded Boeing 767 at Miami International Airport that killed five people.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company decided to pause operations with 21 Air after reviewing circumstances surrounding the September 6 crash while continuing to support the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation.
"After the tragic incident last weekend, we've spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we've decided to pause our operations with 21 Air, the operator of Flight 7598," Nantel said.
Amazon said shipments that would have been handled by 21 Air will instead be transported through other carriers, including Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines and Cargojet.
North Carolina-based 21 Air said it remained focused on supporting those affected by the crash and was cooperating with the NTSB, Amazon and other partners as the investigation continues. The company said it remained confident in its safety policies, procedures and training.
Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-33A operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air, was travelling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami when it overran Runway 30 while landing on September 6. The aircraft travelled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway and struck two ground vehicles, including a van carrying workers from an aircraft cleaning company. Five people on the ground were killed and five others were injured.
The NTSB has recovered and examined the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Preliminary data showed that one pilot repeatedly warned that the aircraft was travelling too fast during the approach. The aircraft touched down at a groundspeed of 158 knots, while the brakes were initially applied and later released as the throttles were increased to a level consistent with an attempted go-around.
The NTSB said the aircraft's speed brakes and thrust reversers were not deployed, although investigators have not determined why. The agency stressed that the findings are preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses.
The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the runway overrun, including flight operations and other potential contributing factors. Amazon and 21 Air have said they will continue cooperating with investigators.