Full Breakdown
Amazon Cargo Plane Overrun at Miami International Airport
9/8/2026, 10:50:47 AM
Core Event
On September 6 2026, a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating as Prime Air Flight 7598 overran runway 30 at Miami International Airport (MIA). The aircraft continued about 1,300 feet beyond the paved surface, struck a white Ford Econoline van and a Toyota Corolla Cross, and came to rest in a grassy area. Five people were killed and five injured, including the two pilots, according to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.
Background & Context
Prime Air is Amazon’s cargo network, which contracts with independent carriers. The flight was operated by 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo carrier. The 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 was converted to a freighter in 2015. Flight 7598 was the plane’s third flight of the day, returning to Miami for the fatal landing.
Data & Statistics
- Casualties: 5 dead, 5 injured.
- Aircraft: Boeing 767-300, >100 tons.
- Overrun distance: ~1,300 feet past runway end.
- Vehicles struck: 2012 Ford Econoline van (7 occupants) and a Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Emergency response: >60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units and ~200 firefighters.
- Investigation team: 32 NTSB personnel on site.
- Operational impact: Two of MIA’s four runways closed; >160 flights canceled and ~325 delayed.
Why It Matters / Impact
The incident halted operations at one of the nation’s busiest hubs during the Labor-Day travel surge, generating widespread cancellations and delays. It revived scrutiny of runway safety infrastructure; Miami International lacks an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a crushable barrier the FAA reports has prevented fatalities at more than 120 U.S. airports.
Official Statements & Responses
- Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel expressed “heartbreak” over the loss of life and pledged cooperation with investigators.
- 21 Air CEO Keith Winters said the company is “devastated” and is supporting families while assisting authorities.
- NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the scene as “utter devastation” and emphasized that recovery of victims takes priority over evidence collection.
- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah noted the extensive fire and fuel leak, and that the pilots were initially trapped in the cockpit.
- FAA issued a ground stop for safety-crew access and later reopened two runways while repairs continued.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local resident Olvin Henriquez captured video of the crash and recounted, “It was shocking to witness all of that; then, unexpectedly, we saw the pilot jump out of the cockpit door and run for his life as the plane rapidly burst into flames.” His family narrowly avoided the jet as it crossed a fence and ignited.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial coverage varied on whether the fatalities occurred on the aircraft or on the ground. By September 7, Homendy confirmed that all five deaths were among occupants of the two struck vehicles, resolving the earlier uncertainty.
What’s Next
The NTSB will analyze the recovered flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders in Washington and release preliminary speed and braking data on Tuesday. Investigators will also evaluate runway design and the potential benefit of installing EMAS at MIA. The agency expects to remain on site for at least a week before issuing a probable-cause report. Miami International plans to fully reopen all runways once debris removal and fuel mitigation are complete.
