NTSB Reports Amazon Cargo Jet's Braking Systems Did Not Deploy in Miami Crash

Authorities reported on Tuesday that key braking systems did not deploy during a plane crash involving an Amazon cargo jet at Miami International Airport on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of five people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that while the aircraft's wheel brakes were engaged, data shows that the speed brakes and thrust reversers did not activate. NTSB investigator Chihoon Shin stated, "There was no indication in the recorded data that speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed." Shin added that investigators plan to interview the pilots involved but will refrain from speculating about the landing's circumstances until a full analysis of the data is completed. He noted, "When we analyze the full list of parameters, we’ll have a better idea of the aircraft’s performance during this landing. Was it normal? Was it not? And what was working and what was not?" NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy provided details about the pilots, stating that the captain, aged 55, had 7,145 flight hours, while the first officer, aged 37, had 2,655 flight hours, according to their Class 1 medical certificates. Officials confirmed that there were no hazardous materials on board, with the cargo primarily consisting of contact lenses, weighing 32,222 pounds. The crash involved Prime Air Flight 7598, resulting in five fatalities and five injuries, with seven victims in a van that was crushed on airport property. The aircraft traveled through the airport fence and struck another vehicle before stopping near a parking lot.