Amazon has announced the suspension of its operations with 21 Air, the cargo airline involved in the tragic crash of Flight 7598 at Miami International Airport. This decision comes just a week after the horrific accident that claimed the lives of five Cuban workers.
"In light of the tragic incident last weekend, we've taken the time to support the investigation and assess the circumstances surrounding the event, leading to our decision to suspend operations with 21 Air, the operator of Flight 7598," stated Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson, in an official release.
Amazon has confirmed that shipments initially handled by 21 Air will be reallocated among its existing partners, including Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines, and Cargojet.
21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo airline primarily operating Boeing 767 aircraft, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company's CEO, Keith Winters, had previously expressed condolences following the crash and assured full cooperation with investigators.
The Crash at Miami Airport
The incident occurred on September 6 when Flight 7598—a Boeing 767-300 arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico—overshot runway 30 at Miami's airport shortly before 2:00 p.m., colliding with two vehicles before erupting into flames.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the black box data revealed alarming details: the aircraft touched down at 158 knots, about 182 miles per hour, while one of the pilots repeatedly warned of the excessive speed but received "no consistent verbal response."
Records also indicated that the speed brakes and thrust reversers—systems designed to slow the aircraft after landing—were not deployed. "We don't yet know if this was a pilot decision or a mechanical failure," explained aviation expert and attorney Pablo Rojas.
About 15 seconds before the cockpit recording ended, one pilot called for a go-around maneuver to attempt another landing approach, but it was too late. Both pilots survived and have been discharged from medical care. The official cause of the crash has not been determined.
Impact on the Cuban Community and Legal Actions
The five victims who lost their lives were Cuban nationals working for the airport cleaning company Professional Ocean Service Corporation. They were in a work vehicle when the plane struck them.
Their names are: Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo, 53; Rolando Alemán León, 55; Julio C. Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47.
The loss of these individuals has deeply affected Miami's immigrant community. Additionally, five others were injured in the crash.
Civil lawsuits have already been filed in Miami-Dade courts, including two wrongful death claims. Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo's widow has brought legal action against Amazon, 21 Air, and the pilots, citing negligence, inadequate training, and the use of a 32-year-old aircraft.
Survivor Roosevelt Perdomo Torres and his wife have also filed suit, stating he was "thrown through the air" and sustained hand, leg, and ankle fractures.
The lawsuits target Amazon Inc., Amazon Air Cargo, 21 Air LLC, and the pilots identified as Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, along with other companies linked to the operation. These allegations will be settled in court as the federal investigation remains ongoing.
FAQs on the Miami Plane Crash and Its Aftermath
What led Amazon to suspend its operations with 21 Air?
Amazon suspended its operations with 21 Air following a tragic crash involving Flight 7598, which resulted in the deaths of five Cuban workers. The suspension is part of an effort to support the investigation and reassess circumstances surrounding the incident.
Who are the parties involved in the lawsuits related to the crash?
The lawsuits have been filed against Amazon Inc., Amazon Air Cargo, 21 Air LLC, and the pilots Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, among others. The claims include allegations of negligence and inadequate training.
What does the NTSB's investigation reveal about the crash?
The NTSB's investigation has disclosed that the aircraft landed at an excessive speed of 158 knots, and crucial landing systems like speed brakes and thrust reversers were not activated. The exact cause of these failures remains under investigation.