Widow sues Amazon for negligence in Miami plane crash

A widow accused Amazon of negligence in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday after the fatal runway crash over the weekend. Yaraisi Morejon’s husband, Yoel Naranjo, and four other people were killed when an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, local officials reported.

What did the lawsuit allege? Morejon’s filing in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court alleged the crash occurred due to a combination of pilot error, inadequate training, and aircraft failure. The lawsuit also raised broader concerns about 21 Air, which operated the plane.

Morejon says the aircraft was 32 years old and had logged thousands of flight cycles before the crash. She accused the company of operating aircraft despite ongoing mechanical problems. She also cited previous reports from former 21 Air employees, alleging the company suppressed safety reports and pushed crews to fly without proper rest. The company also allegedly allowed non-English-speaking pilots to fly, despite being unable to communicate safety information in English, according to the filing.

Who is being sued? The filing included Amazon.com, 21 Air, Atlas Air Worldwide and the plane’s pilots, Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina. She accuses them of negligence, product liability, and wrongful death.

What are the companies saying? 21 Air CEO Keith Winters said the company is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the investigation is ongoing and the company will cooperate.