Amazon Cargo Plane Crash at Miami Airport Kills Five as NTSB Investigates
Five people were killed and five others were injured after an Amazon Air cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 6, and crashed into vehicles near the airport.
The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300 operated by cargo carrier 21 Air for Amazon Air, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it went beyond the usable runway area shortly before 2 p.m. local time. The aircraft crossed a nearby road, struck several vehicles and caught fire.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine what caused the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating the incident.
What Happened at Miami International Airport?
According to the FAA, the cargo aircraft was operating as Prime Air Flight 7598 when it overran a runway while attempting to land at Miami International Airport.
The Boeing 767 had departed from Luis Muñoz MarÃn International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
After leaving the runway, the aircraft crossed a nearby roadway and collided with multiple vehicles before coming to rest and catching fire.
Emergency crews responded rapidly to the crash site, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue sending numerous units to deal with the aircraft fire, injured people and fuel-related hazards.
The airport experienced major disruption following the crash, with operations temporarily halted and numerous flights delayed or canceled.
Five People Were Killed and Five Injured
Authorities confirmed that five people died in the crash and another five were injured.
Some victims were inside vehicles that were struck by the aircraft after it left the runway. The pilot and co-pilot were also initially trapped inside the aircraft and had to be rescued.
Three of the injured people were reported to be in critical condition, according to officials cited by multiple news organizations.
Authorities have not yet released all details about the identities of the victims as the investigation and notification process continues.
What Type of Plane Was Involved?
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Air.
Amazon confirmed that an Amazon Air aircraft operated by 21 Air was involved in the incident and said the company was working with authorities.
The Boeing 767 is widely used for cargo operations because of its range and capacity. Aircraft of this type are operated by several cargo carriers around the world.
The investigation will examine the aircraft's condition, maintenance history, flight data and the circumstances surrounding the landing.
NTSB Leads the Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent investigators to Miami to examine the crash.
NTSB investigators are expected to review several sources of evidence, including:
- Flight data and cockpit recordings
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather conditions
- Runway and airport conditions
- Air traffic control communications
- Witness statements
- Video and surveillance footage
- The aircraft's approach and landing path
The FAA is also participating in the investigation.
Investigators have not yet announced a final cause of the crash.
That distinction is important because early reports can identify what happened without establishing why it happened. The NTSB's investigation is expected to take time as investigators reconstruct the aircraft's final moments before the runway overrun.
Weather and Runway Conditions Will Be Examined
Investigators are expected to examine weather conditions around the time of the accident as part of the investigation.
Reports indicate that thunderstorms and strong wind conditions were present in the Miami area around the time of the crash.
However, officials have not established that weather caused the accident.
Investigators will need to determine whether wind, visibility, runway conditions, the aircraft's touchdown point or other factors played a role.
It is too early to assign responsibility to any single factor.
Miami Airport Operations Disrupted
The crash caused significant disruption at Miami International Airport.
Airport operations were temporarily affected while emergency crews responded to the accident and authorities secured the crash area.
More than 160 flights were canceled and hundreds of additional flights were delayed, according to information reported after the crash.
Travelers using Miami International Airport were warned to check with their airlines because schedules could continue to change while airport operations recovered.
The incident was especially disruptive because Miami International Airport is one of the major aviation hubs in the United States and handles a large volume of passenger and cargo traffic.
Amazon Responds to the Crash
Amazon expressed concern following the accident and said it was working closely with authorities.
The company said its priority was the safety and care of those affected by the incident.
Because the aircraft was operated by 21 Air, investigators will examine the roles and responsibilities of the aircraft operator, Amazon Air and other parties involved in the flight.
The investigation will determine whether any operational, technical or environmental factors contributed to the crash.
Why the NTSB Investigation Matters
The NTSB investigation will be important not only for determining what happened in Miami but also for identifying potential safety improvements.
If investigators discover a problem involving aircraft systems, pilot procedures, runway design, airport operations or other factors, the findings could lead to recommendations for airlines, cargo operators, airports or regulators.
A final investigation can also help prevent similar accidents in the future.
For now, authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
A Previous Amazon-Related Cargo Crash
The Miami accident also brings renewed attention to the safety history of Amazon-related cargo operations.
In February 2019, Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767 cargo aircraft operating for Amazon Air, crashed into Trinity Bay near Anahuac, Texas, while approaching Houston.
All three people aboard that aircraft were killed.
That earlier accident was investigated separately, and the NTSB ultimately determined that pilot actions and other factors contributed to the crash.
The 2026 Miami accident is a separate incident, and investigators have not indicated that the two crashes are connected.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus will be on the NTSB and FAA investigations.
Investigators will collect physical evidence from the crash site and examine the aircraft's flight data, maintenance records and communications.
They will also reconstruct the aircraft's approach and landing to determine why it overran the runway.
Authorities may provide additional information during scheduled briefings as investigators establish the sequence of events.
The final cause could take considerably longer to determine because aviation accident investigations involve detailed technical analysis.
Until investigators release verified findings, claims about a specific cause should be treated cautiously.
What Travelers Should Know
Passengers traveling through Miami International Airport should check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Although airport operations are expected to recover, delays and schedule changes can continue following a major aviation accident.
Travelers should also allow additional time for possible changes in airport operations.
Bottom Line
The Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport has killed five people and injured five others after a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air overran a runway and collided with vehicles.
The NTSB and FAA are investigating the accident, but no final cause has been established.
Weather, aircraft data, runway conditions, pilot actions, maintenance records and other factors will be examined as investigators reconstruct what happened.
For now, the most important development is the ongoing investigation and the recovery of those affected by the crash.
FAQ
1. What happened to the Amazon cargo plane in Miami?
An Amazon Air cargo Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air overran a runway at Miami International Airport, crossed a nearby road and struck vehicles before catching fire.
2. How many people died in the Miami Amazon plane crash?
Five people were killed and five others were injured.
3. Who is investigating the Miami cargo plane crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
4. What type of aircraft crashed in Miami?
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air.
5. Has the cause of the crash been confirmed?
No. Investigators have not yet established a final cause. Weather, runway conditions, aircraft data and other factors are being examined.
6. Did the Miami airport crash affect flights?
Yes. The crash caused major airport disruption, including cancellations and delays while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
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