Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Investigators Probe Fiery Amazon Cargo Jet Crash in Miami
A cargo airplane went off a runway at Miami International Airport after landing.
It crossed a road and came to rest near trucks and vehicles.
The plane caught fire, and firefighters used foam to put out the flames.
At least five people died, and five others were hurt.
The pilots and some people in vehicles had to be rescued.
Investigators do not yet know exactly why the plane could not stop.
They will check whether it landed too far down the runway and whether wind or speed played a role.
They will also study the plane’s maintenance and the airport’s safety equipment.
The crash caused many flights to be canceled or delayed.
An Amazon cargo plane operated by 21 Air overran a runway at Miami International Airport Sunday after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Boeing 767 crossed a roadway, struck or entered vehicles, and came to rest near two semitrucks before catching fire.
At least five people were killed and five others injured, including three critically; it was unclear whether the pilots survived.
Investigators are examining the aircraft’s touchdown point, speed, braking, weather, maintenance, and the airport’s lack of an arresting system.
The crash disrupted airport operations, causing about 160 cancellations and more than 300 delays Sunday, plus additional cancellations Monday.
- Who
- A Boeing 767 cargo aircraft operated by 21 Air for Amazon was involved; at least five people died and five others were injured.
- What
- The plane overran a runway, crossed a roadway, came to rest near vehicles and semitrucks, and caught fire.
- When
- About 2 p.m. Sunday; additional airport disruption continued into Monday.
- Where
- Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida, after the aircraft arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Why
- The cause remains under investigation, with investigators examining the landing, weather, aircraft condition, and runway safety measures.
Landing and Weather Factors
Aircraft and Airport Factors
Possible reason the plane overran the runway
Landing and Weather Factors
Experts said investigators may determine whether the aircraft touched down beyond the normal first 3,000 feet of runway. Mary Schiavo said online video appeared to show the plane floating before its landing gear reached the ground, while a tailwind may have worsened the situation.
Aircraft and Airport Factors
Investigators will also examine the aircraft’s speed, braking, mechanical condition, and maintenance history. The plane’s previous foreign ownership, including by a Russian company, was identified as an area for scrutiny, but no cause has been established.
Could the airport’s safety equipment have reduced the consequences?
Landing and Weather Factors
The Federal Aviation Administration credits runway arresting systems made of crushable material with helping save at least 497 lives in runway-overrun incidents.
Aircraft and Airport Factors
Miami airport was not required to have an arresting system because it has a 1,000-foot safety buffer at the ends of its runways, according to former FAA safety official Mike O’Donnell. The system’s potential effect in this crash remains unknown.
- Aircraft
- A 32-year-old Boeing 767 cargo plane, originally built for passengers and converted in 2015
- Operator
- 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo carrier
- Flight origin
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Casualties
- At least five people killed and five injured; three of the injured were in critical condition
- Investigation
- The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy
- Runway safety
- Miami International Airport lacks an arresting system; the Federal Aviation Administration says such systems at more than 120 airports have helped save at least 497 lives
- Travel disruption
- About 160 flights were canceled and nearly 325 delayed Sunday, with another 69 cancellations reported Monday through mid-afternoon
