Amazon Air Pilot Reported Descent Issue Before Fatal Crash

An Amazon Air cargo jet pilot voiced concerns about the aircraft's descent rate in the final moments before it overran the runway at Miami International Airport, according to newly released National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recordings. The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2024, involved a Boeing 767 freighter operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air. The NTSB's preliminary findings indicate that the pilot communicated a problem with maintaining the desired descent path, a critical factor in landing safely. This revelation has intensified scrutiny on the safety protocols and operational procedures of 21 Air, the company responsible for flying the cargo for Amazon's extensive logistics network. The recordings, which include cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data, are providing investigators with a detailed, albeit brief, account of the flight crew's actions and communications leading up to the crash. The aircraft, identified as N767-UP, was on a flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Miami when the accident happened. Upon arrival in Miami, the plane failed to stop on the runway, veering off into a fire suppression system. While no fatalities occurred among the flight crew, the aircraft sustained significant damage, and the incident disrupted airport operations. The NTSB is meticulously analyzing all available data, including flight data recorder (FDR) information, air traffic control communications, and maintenance records, to determine the probable cause of the accident. The focus on the pilot's reported descent issue suggests that factors related to flight control, pilot workload, or environmental conditions during the approach may have played a role. This incident is particularly significant given Amazon's massive investment in its air cargo division, Amazon Air, which is crucial for its rapid delivery services. Any questions regarding the safety of its contracted operators, such as 21 Air, could have broader implications for the company's supply chain reliability and public perception. 21 Air, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, operates a fleet of cargo aircraft, primarily Boeing 767s, and has been a key partner for Amazon Air since 2017. The NTSB's investigation will likely examine the training, procedures, and oversight applied to the flight crew and the operator to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards. The final NTSB report is expected to provide a comprehensive analysis and recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future, potentially impacting how Amazon Air manages its fleet and contracts with third-party carriers.