World

Pilot warned Amazon cargo plane going too fast before deadly crash, data shows

BBC World · 2026-09-10

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: An Amazon cargo plane crashed in Miami after overshooting the runway, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, with flight data revealing that the pilot had warned the co-pilot about excessive speed before the incident. • Why it matters: The crash highlights critical issues in aviation safety, including pilot communication and adherence to landing protocols, which could inform future regulations and training to prevent similar tragedies. • What to watch next: The ongoing investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to release further findings that will clarify the causes of the crash and may lead to recommendations for improved safety measures in cargo aviation.

**Title: Pilot Warned of Excessive Speed Before Fatal Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami**

**Miami, Florida** – New flight data has revealed that the pilot of an Amazon cargo plane, which crashed in Miami on Sunday, repeatedly cautioned the co-pilot about the aircraft's excessive speed prior to the fatal incident. The Boeing 767-300, designated as Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598, overshot the runway, collided with ground vehicles, and subsequently burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.

The investigation, led by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has provided insights into the final moments of the flight. According to the NTSB's update, one pilot expressed concerns multiple times about the aircraft's speed during the approach to the runway. Despite these warnings, the responses from the co-pilot were described as inconsistent. The cockpit's altitude alarm also activated, indicating a critical situation as the plane approached the ground.

Data from the flight indicated that the landing speed was recorded at 158 knots (approximately 292 km/h), which experts have identified as being on the higher end of the acceptable range for landing. The NTSB's report included a summary of the cockpit conversations, highlighting the pilot's ongoing warnings about the aircraft's speed throughout the final stages of the flight.

In the last moments before the crash, automated safety alerts were triggered, including a "sink rate" warning, which indicates that the aircraft was descending too quickly, and a "too low terrain" alert, warning that the plane was dangerously close to the ground without proper landing preparations.

Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas commented on the situation, suggesting that the details provided by the NTSB indicate a problematic approach to landing. He noted that the timing of the flap deployment, which occurred later than expected, could have contributed to the excessive speed. Flaps are crucial for slowing down and stabilizing an aircraft during landing, and their late deployment may have been a response to the realization that the plane was traveling too fast.

After overshooting the runway, the cargo plane struck ground equipment, collided with a white Ford van, and continued through a perimeter fence, ultimately coming to a stop approximately 1,300 feet (394 meters) beyond the runway. Tragically, the five fatalities were all members of a plane-cleaning crew who were inside the van at the time of the crash. Miami authorities have identified the deceased as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C. Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with the NTSB examining various factors, including the aircraft's speed, altitude, and pilot communications. The findings are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.

As the investigation progresses, the aviation community and the public await more detailed reports from the NTSB, which will aim to identify the causes of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Source: BBC World
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