Investigators Say Pilots Weighed Aborting Landing Before Deadly Miami Cargo Plane Crash

*This article has been edited. Previously incorrect statements have been rectified accordingly.*

Federal investigators say the pilots of a cargo plane that crashed while landing at Miami International Airport may have considered aborting their approach in the moments before impact, according to early findings from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Boeing 767, operated by 21 Air, went down as it attempted to land. The NTSB has begun reviewing flight data and cockpit voice recordings to piece together what happened during the final seconds of the flight.

What Investigators Found

According to Reuters, evidence gathered thus far suggests the flight crew discussed executing a go-around, a standard maneuver in which pilots abandon a landing attempt and climb back into the air to try again. Pilots typically call for a go-around when the aircraft is not properly aligned with the runway, when the approach speed is off, or when conditions on the ground make landing unsafe.

Investigators have not yet confirmed why the crew considered the maneuver or whether they attempted to carry it out before the aircraft struck the ground. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, with a full investigation likely to take a year or longer.

The Aircraft and Operator

The Boeing 767 involved in the crash was operating under Amazon Prime, which relies on contracted carriers to move packages between the company's fulfillment centers and regional hubs. 21 Air, a subsidiary of Avia Acquisitions, LLC, has flown cargo routes for Amazon for years.

The 767 is a widely used twin-engine jet that has served both passenger and cargo roles since entering commercial service in the early 1980s. Many older passenger versions have been converted to freighters to meet growing demand from e-commerce shippers.

Miami International as a Cargo Hub

Miami International Airport ranks among the busiest cargo airports in the United States, handling a large share of freight moving between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The airport sees hundreds of cargo flights each week, and its runways accommodate a steady mix of passenger and freight traffic.

How Investigations Like This Work

NTSB investigations follow a methodical process. Teams recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, often called the black boxes, and send them to laboratories for analysis. Investigators also examine the wreckage, review maintenance records, interview witnesses, and study weather conditions and air traffic control communications from the time of the crash.

A preliminary report typically appears within 30 days and outlines the basic facts of what happened. A final report, which includes a probable cause and any safety recommendations, can take 12 to 24 months to complete.

Aviation experts told The Independent that the discussion of a go-around does not necessarily point to pilot error. Crews are trained to evaluate their approach continuously and to abort if anything seems wrong. In many cases, the decision to go around reflects sound judgment rather than a mistake.

What Comes Next

Investigators will continue examining the wreckage and reviewing data from the aircraft's recorders. They will also look at the crew's training records, the plane's maintenance history, and weather conditions at the time of the approach.

The Federal Aviation Administration is participating in the investigation, along with representatives from Boeing and the engine manufacturer. If investigators identify any immediate safety concerns, the FAA can issue directives requiring changes to procedures, inspections, or equipment across similar aircraft.

For now, families of the victims are awaiting answers. The NTSB has cautioned that early evidence often changes as investigators gather more information, and that any conclusions about the cause of the crash will come only after a thorough review.

The airport has resumed normal operations, and Amazon Air continues to run its cargo network through other contracted carriers while the investigation moves forward.