Amazon Cargo Plane Overruns Miami Runway, Killing 5; Investigation Underway

A cargo plane operating for Amazon Prime Air overran a runway at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Sunday, September 6, 2026, leading to a fiery crash that killed at least five people and injured five others. The incident, involving 21 Air Flight 7598, prompted a massive emergency response and halted flights at MIA for much of the afternoon.

The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air on behalf of Amazon, departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bound for Miami. At approximately 2 p.m. local time, the 32-year-old aircraft — originally a passenger plane converted to cargo in 2015 — barreled off the runway. It plowed across a road used by airport warehouse workers and businesses, eventually coming to rest near two semi-trucks beside a roadway, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky and left the aircraft largely intact but resting on its belly. Miami-Dade Rescue Fire Chief Ray Jadallah described the scene as a "very complex situation," with individuals trapped in the cockpit and under vehicles. Fire crews deployed foam from specialized airport firefighting units to extinguish the blaze, which was complicated by an ongoing fuel leak for hours after the initial impact.

Amazon released a statement saying, "We're heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today's incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss." Amazon added that it would cooperate with any investigation. Keith Winters, CEO of 21 Air, also expressed devastation and offered condolences, emphasizing cooperation with authorities.

What are investigators focusing on?

Federal investigators are likely to focus on whether the plane touched down too late to stop safely. Aviation Safety Expert Steve Arroyo stated that if a cargo jet lands beyond the typical 3,000-foot (914-meter) landing zone, pilots should abort and attempt another landing. Mary Schiavo, a pilot and former Inspector General of the Transportation Department, noted that online video appears to show the Amazon plane floating above the runway for an extended period, as reported by The Guardian.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will examine the exact touchdown point, the plane's speed and braking, weather and wind conditions, and the aircraft's mechanical condition. The Associated Press (AP) highlighted the focus on the landing phase of the flight.

This incident follows a similar tragedy last year, in November 2025, when a UPS plane crashed after losing an engine during takeoff acceleration at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing all three pilots and 12 people on the ground.

What happens next?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team, led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, to Miami to investigate the crash. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) will also conduct an investigation. The NTSB is scheduled to hold its first media briefing on the investigation on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Both Amazon and 21 Air have publicly committed to fully cooperating with all ongoing investigations, according to their official statements.

Who are the victims?

As of early Monday afternoon, September 7, 2026, the identities of the five deceased victims had not been released. Five others were injured, with three reportedly in critical condition. It was not immediately clear if the pilot and co-pilot, who were initially trapped in the cockpit, were among those killed or if all fatalities were individuals in vehicles struck by the plane on the ground, as reported by TIME.