Amazon has paused its operations with cargo carrier 21 Air after one of the company’s aircraft was involved in a fatal crash at Miami International Airport, according to BBC News.
The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane overshot a runway on 6 September after departing from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It struck nearby vehicles before skidding to a stop, killing five people.
“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,” an Amazon spokesperson said, according to the BBC. Spokesperson Kelly Nantel added that safety remained the company’s top priority when working with partners.
The US National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. Investigators recovered the aircraft’s flight recorders and are examining the circumstances surrounding the runway overrun.
The NTSB said one pilot reported that the aircraft was travelling too fast before the incident. Investigators also said one pilot repeatedly warned the other about the aircraft’s excessive speed, but there was no consistent verbal response as an altitude alarm sounded. Other electronic warnings intended to alert the crew to danger during landing were also reported.
Miami authorities identified those killed as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. The BBC said 21 Air had previously described itself as devastated by the accident and was cooperating with authorities.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as a scene of “utter devastation”, according to the report. Amazon said it would continue supporting the investigation and those affected. 21 Air operates all-cargo flights for companies including Amazon and DHL.