The Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo plane crash in Miami, resulting in the deaths of five people, has raised safety concerns about the operating company, 21 Air. Legal documents and employee accounts suggest a history of alleged safety violations. 21 Air, associated with Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, has faced safety complaints from former employees. The crash has intensified scrutiny of the company’s practices. CBS News reports that employees claimed retaliation for raising safety concerns.
Allegations Against 21 Air
Pilot Karl Seuring, with over 30 years of experience, filed a legal complaint alleging he was dismissed for voicing safety concerns. He expressed frustration with 21 Air’s management response to safety issues. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rejected Seuring’s complaint, but his case is pending before a Department of Labor tribunal.
Concerns raised include suppression of safety reports, pilots flying without adequate rest, and staffing pilots not proficient in English. Executive practices were described as failing to implement actual safety improvements. A resignation letter from a safety policy reviewer outlined safety issues to 21 Air owner Crane.
Bruce Joseph, former chief pilot, testified about discouragement from logging safety concerns. He detailed the firm’s approach to safety management software use and alleged selective reporting of incidents. Former CEO Mike Mendez rebuffed retaliation claims, asserting adherence to safety procedures. Another pilot, Johnny Salmonson, reportedly faced pressures affecting compliance with rest periods.
Past Safety Incidents
Seuring recounted an incident involving a 21 Air Boeing 767 experiencing mechanical problems post-takeoff from Newark. The lack of communication between captain and first officer raised his safety concerns. In another flight, a plane faced a pressurization problem requiring an emergency diversion. Allegations include deficient command during that incident, prompting intervention from other officers.
Tony Bless, a retired 21 Air pilot, voiced his anticipation of safety issues given the crash. He highlighted routine maintenance deferrals and issues with older converted passenger planes. Bless recounted navigation challenges due to radar failures amidst severe turbulence.
Seuring reported various mechanical problems, such as fuel leaks and cockpit smoke. As union president, he noted inadequate crew rest facilities on board, leading to pilots using sleeping bags for rest on lengthy flights.
Company Response and Investigation
21 Air has not directly responded to CBS News inquiries but issued statements about cooperating with the NTSB investigation. Jim Crane received a resignation letter warning him of safety management deficiencies and enclosed documents outlining core issues at the company.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the Miami crash. The cause remains undetermined, with no established connection to previous safety issues. Pilots involved in the crash were hospitalized but released. The five casualties were part of a ground transport crew.
Data shows deviation in the plane’s approach before overshooting the runway, leading to critical investigation questions around cockpit dynamics during the incident.