Amazon Contractor's Safety Record Under Fire After Deadly Cargo Plane Crash

The fatal crash of a Boeing 767 cargo plane at Miami International Airport on September 6 has raised significant safety concerns about 21 Air, the North Carolina-based carrier that operated the Amazon Prime Air flight. The incident killed five people and injured five others.

According to former employees who spoke out before the accident, management at 21 Air allegedly discouraged them from reporting safety issues, pressured crews regarding rest requirements, and failed to address operational problems. Karl Seuring, a veteran pilot and former president of 21 Air's pilot union, was dismissed in 2022 after raising concerns about the company's safety standards.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash and has raised questions about the flight crew's handling of an unstable landing. The NTSB found that the aircraft touched down at 182 mph, exceeding the recommended speed for a safe landing. Investigators are also examining the relationship between Amazon and 21 Air, including what responsibilities each company has and what safety provisions are contained in their contracts.