Yaraisi Santiso Morejon: Widow Sues Amazon Over Miami Cargo Plane Crash

• A cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026, killed five people, including Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo.
• His widow, Yaraisi Santiso Morejon, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com, 21 Air, Atlas Air Worldwide, and the pilots, alleging negligence, product liability, and wrongful death.
• The suit claims the crash was caused by pilot error, poor training, and aircraft failure, exacerbated by hazardous landing conditions and excessive speed.
• The 32-year-old Boeing 767 freighter overran the runway by 1,300 feet, colliding with two vehicles.
• Allegations in the lawsuit also include prior safety concerns at 21 Air, such as suppressed safety reports and fatigued crews.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Miami-Dade County's circuit court, names Amazon.com, cargo carrier 21 Air, Atlas Air Worldwide, and the plane's pilots, Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, as defendants.

A devastating cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Sunday, September 6, 2026, has resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against e-commerce giant Amazon and its aviation partners. The incident, which saw a Boeing 767 freighter overrun a runway, claimed the lives of five individuals, including Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo. His widow, Yaraisi Santiso Morejon, initiated the legal action, alleging significant negligence on the part of the defendants.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Miami-Dade County's circuit court, names Amazon.com, cargo carrier 21 Air, Atlas Air Worldwide, and the plane's pilots, Joseph Carroll and Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, as defendants. Morejon's complaint asserts claims of negligence, product liability, and wrongful death, seeking unspecified damages for the profound loss and injuries sustained. This legal challenge, centered on the Miami cargo plane crash, places a spotlight on the operational responsibilities of major logistics companies and their third-party aviation providers.

The ill-fated Amazon Prime Air flight, operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, had just arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it veered off the runway around 2 p.m. The aircraft then plowed across a road frequented by warehouse personnel and other businesses surrounding the airport. Beyond the five fatalities, Miami-Dade County officials reported that three people suffered critical injuries, while two others were hospitalized with less severe conditions.

According to the lawsuit, the catastrophic event was not an unavoidable accident but rather the consequence of a confluence of factors, including alleged pilot error, inadequate training, and mechanical failure of the aircraft. Morejon's filing details that the landing conditions on that Sunday were particularly challenging, marked by southerly tailwinds and active thunderstorm activity. Furthermore, the aircraft reportedly approached the shorter-than-average runway at a speed exceeding normal parameters.

These alleged operational missteps culminated in the Boeing 767 freighter overrunning the runway by approximately 1,300 feet. The out-of-control plane subsequently collided with a van carrying seven employees of an aircraft cleaning company, as well as a second vehicle traveling on a public road. The lawsuit's central claim of negligence underscores the plaintiff's assertion that preventable failures led directly to the Miami International Airport plane crash and the resulting wrongful deaths.

The aircraft involved in the crash, a 32-year-old Boeing 767, had an extensive operational history. Originally configured for passenger transport, it served various airlines for over two decades before undergoing conversion to a cargo plane in 2015. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicates that the plane had accumulated "thousands of flight cycles" throughout its service life prior to the incident.

The lawsuit also brings to light prior safety concerns allegedly raised by former employees of 21 Air. These allegations include claims that the company suppressed safety reports, pressured flight crews to operate without sufficient rest, employed pilots who lacked the necessary English communication skills for safety protocols, and continued to fly aircraft known to have ongoing mechanical problems. These accusations contribute to the broader context of the Amazon Prime Air accident liability, suggesting systemic issues within the operational framework.

In response to the tragedy and subsequent legal action, 21 Air's chief executive, Keith Winters, issued a written statement confirming the company's full cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local authorities. Winters emphasized that the company's immediate priorities are to support those affected, assist investigators, and ensure the accurate dissemination of information as it becomes available.

Amazon, a key defendant in the Yaraisi Santiso Morejon Amazon lawsuit, also provided a statement. The company clarified that all aircraft within its Amazon Air fleet are operated by certified air carriers, such as 21 Air, under programs approved and overseen by the FAA for operations and maintenance. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel confirmed that the NTSB's investigation into the crash was ongoing as of Wednesday. She reiterated Amazon's commitment to full cooperation with all investigating authorities, coordination with 21 Air, and engagement with local officials and first responders to offer support.

This case highlights significant liability risks for e-commerce and logistics companies utilizing third-party aviation carriers, particularly concerning alleged negligence, product liability, and wrongful death claims stemming from operational failures. Lawyers advising clients in these sectors should monitor the outcome for precedents on vicarious liability and the standard of due diligence required for third-party aviation partners, especially regarding aircraft maintenance, crew training, and safety reporting protocols.

Source: Original reporting via Court News