NTSB: Pilot Warned of 'Excessive Speed' Before Fatal Miami Cargo Crash

One pilot of the Amazon Prime Air cargo plane that crashed in Miami on Sunday repeatedly commented on the aircraft's excessive speed in the final moments before the accident, according to an investigative update from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

NTSB Releases Cockpit Voice Recorder Data

In a statement released Wednesday, the NTSB said the pilot's comments about the plane's speed occurred throughout the last one minute and 42 seconds of the cockpit voice recording. The board noted there was not a consistent verbal response from the other pilot to these observations. The NTSB did not disclose which pilot made the remarks.

In addition to the speed warnings, the phrase 'Too low, terrain' was enunciated several times on the recording. These initial findings provide a critical, though incomplete, picture of the crew's actions and awareness as the situation deteriorated.

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Crash Background and Investigation

The aircraft, a Boeing 767, ultimately touched down and overshot the runway. The accident resulted in five fatalities and five injuries, according to the NTSB's report.

This update is a preliminary step in a comprehensive investigation. The NTSB will continue to analyze the flight data recorder, wreckage, and other evidence to determine the probable cause of the crash, a process that typically takes 12 to 24 months to complete.