The widow of a victim killed in the fiery Amazon cargo jet crash at Miami International Airport has filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the retail giant and its aviation contractors of negligence and a cascade of critical landing errors.
Yaraisi Santiso Morejón alleges the disaster resulted from pilot error, inadequate training, and the deployment of an unairworthy aircraft, according to the complaint reported by Courthouse News. Her husband, Yoel Rodríguez Naranjo, was among five people killed when the Boeing 767 overran the runway, slammed into two vehicles, and erupted in flames on Sunday.
The suit further contends the flight was conducted under hazardous conditions, citing an active thunderstorm in the vicinity at the time of the approach.
Aerial view showing the long debris path and perimeter damage from the runway overrun. (National Transportation Safety Board / Fox News)
“This disaster was not an unavoidable accident,” Morejón stated.
The complaint names Captain Joseph Carroll, 55, and First Officer Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, 37, accusing them of touching down well beyond the safe touchdown zone. Data cited in the filing indicates the aircraft landed more than 40 knots (approximately 46 mph) faster than the recommended speed, touched down roughly 4,000 feet past the target zone, and failed to execute a proper nose-flare maneuver to arrest the descent rate.
When the approach destabilized, the crew allegedly failed to execute a mandatory go-around or declare an emergency. The jet ultimately breached the perimeter fencing, overrunning the runway by approximately 1,300 feet.
Investigators assess a crushed white van struck near the cargo jet crash. (National Transportation Safety Board / Fox News)
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed Tuesday that investigators are still determining the probable cause and have not released an official finding.
Flight operator 21 Air is accused of inadequate pilot training, poor crew supervision, and imposing demanding flight schedules. The suit alleges prior safety complaints from former employees were ignored or suppressed, that crews were pressured to fly without proper rest, and that pilots with limited English proficiency were cleared for duty while aircraft remained in service despite known mechanical issues.
In a statement to Fox Business, Amazon asserted that every jet operated on its behalf is flown by an FAA-certified air carrier under FAA-approved operations and maintenance programs.
“The FAA actively oversees each carrier’s programs and any changes are individually reviewed and approved by the FAA,” the company said. “These programs require: licensed individuals to perform regulated activities, recurrent training of licensed personnel, and routine aircraft inspections and maintenance at regular intervals.”
A destroyed vehicle sits near evidence markers in front of the downed Amazon Air freighter. (National Transportation Safety Board / Fox News)
Following the incident, 21 Air issued a statement extending condolences to those affected.
“Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available,” the operator said.
Officials inspect the charred engine assembly on the side of the Amazon Prime Air fuselage. (National Transportation Safety Board / Fox News)
Meanwhile, aircraft owner Atlas Air is accused of supplying a 32-year-old airframe and failing to ensure critical stopping systems were fully operational. Authorities revealed Tuesday that key braking systems—including speed brakes and thrust reversers—were not deployed during the landing sequence, according to recorded data recovered from the wreckage. The NTSB stated its investigation into the circumstances of the overrun is ongoing.
Amazon was also named in the suit for allegedly failing to adequately oversee the operations. In a statement, the company expressed sympathy for those affected and said it is cooperating with investigators and its operators. Amazon added that the use of independent air carriers is “standard practice in commercial aviation.”
“Major U.S. (and foreign) passenger airlines also contract with independent carriers to operate flights under their brand but as separately certificated and regulated air carriers,” Amazon said.
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