Pilots of crashed Amazon cargo plane were unaware of wind conditions
AMZN•The NTSB said pilots of a 21 Air cargo plane operating for Amazon were unaware of wind conditions before the plane overran a Miami runway on September 6, killing five people. The preliminary report said the plane touched down at 160 knots, with speed brakes stowed and thrust reversers undeployed.
1. Wind information omitted
The NTSB said an air traffic controller issued the landing clearance without providing required wind information. About four minutes earlier, the controller had told another flight that winds were from 190 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 22 knots; the 21 Air flight was not on the frequency at the time.
2. Landing data reviewed
Flight recorder data showed the captain considered aborting the landing after touchdown. The first officer had cautioned that the aircraft was flying too fast, and the plane touched down about 3,750 feet past the runway’s start at a groundspeed of 160 knots. Speed brakes remained stowed and thrust reversers did not deploy.
3. Investigation continues
The 21 Air-operated flight for Amazon Air overran the runway at Miami International Airport and struck two vehicles on the ground. Amazon paused use of 21 Air after the crash. Amazon said it remained committed to supporting the NTSB investigation, while 21 Air said it was reviewing the preliminary report and would take appropriate safety action.
