Amazon Cargo Plane Crash at Miami Airport
An Amazon cargo plane overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on Monday, September 7, 2026, causing a devastating accident. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examining the flight data and cockpit recordings to understand why the aircraft overran the runway during its landing attempt on Sunday.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy explained that the investigation involves reviewing all available data to determine what happened in the seconds leading up to the collision. The plane struck a van, killing five people inside, and continued through a fence before hitting an SUV.
Homendy stated, “We aim to speak to the pilots before disclosing any information from the cockpit voice recorder.” Investigators want to know why the pilots seemed to attempt a go-around before deciding to stop the plane. The thrust reversers, crucial for reducing speed, were reportedly not used.
The deceased were employees in a van used for carrying cleaning crews, according to authorities. Five additional individuals sustained injuries, and two remain in critical condition. The pilot and co-pilot have been discharged from the hospital.
The crash site shows the van and SUV severely damaged. The plane rests nose-down, displaying damage near the “P” in “Prime Air.” The Amazon jet landed after a flight from Puerto Rico amid brewing storms that may have impacted the landing. Former FAA official Mike O’Donnell indicated the unstable landing could be due to hesitation about executing a go-around.
Aviation attorney Mary Schiavo suggested there may have been a potential disagreement between the pilots during landing. Experts note that the strong tail wind might have propelled the plane past its intended landing point. Investigators are exploring what weather information was provided to the pilots and why air traffic controllers didn’t adjust the runway approach.
Amazon expressed their condolences to the victims’ families in a statement. They emphasized cooperation with the investigation and recognized the deep impact on those involved. The Miami-Dade sheriff identified the deceased and highlighted the unexpected danger faced by workers at airports.
Homendy remarked on the absence of a specialized system at Miami Airport to halt runaway planes, which some experts argue may have contributed to the crash. The airport, however, has complied with FAA standards for runway buffer space.
The NTSB continues this investigation to find solutions to prevent such tragedies. Their final report is expected to take a year or longer to complete. The jet, operated by North Carolina-based cargo carrier 21 Air, was originally a passenger plane before conversion. Miami Airport has restored operations on a third runway, easing flight cancellations and delays.