Full Breakdown
Amazon Cargo Plane Overrun at Miami International Airport
9/9/2026, 1:31:47 AM
The Crash
On a Sunday afternoon, a Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft operated by 21 Air overran runway 30 at Miami International Airport. After traveling roughly 1,300 ft (?396 m) beyond the paved surface, the jet struck a white Ford Econoline van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corp., killing five cleaning-crew members—Rolando Aleman Leon, Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, Julio C. Pineda, Carlos Acosta Fajardo, and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo. Five other people were injured, two critically; the pilot and co-pilot were treated and released.
Aircraft and Flight History
The 32-year-old Boeing 767-300, converted to a freighter in 2015, was operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, the plane’s third flight of the day after legs from Cincinnati to Miami, Miami to San Juan, and the return from San Juan.
Investigation Focus
The NTSB opened a full investigation. Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said investigators will examine:
- touchdown point and whether the aircraft landed beyond the normal 3,000-ft zone;
- speed and braking performance (flight-data recorder showed ~128 mph);
- weather, including a reported tail wind of 25–26 knots;
- the absence of an engineered-materials arresting system (EMAS) at Miami’s runways; and
- crew training, aircraft maintenance history, and ATC communications.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 5 (all in the van) |
| Injured | 5 (including 2 critical) |
| Aircraft type | Boeing 767-300 cargo (converted 2015) |
| Operator | 21 Air, North Carolina-based cargo carrier |
| Overrun distance | ~1,300 ft (?396 m) |
| Reported speed | ~128 mph |
| Runway safety buffer | 304 m (?1,000 ft) |
| EMAS coverage | Not present at Miami; present at >120 U.S. airports |
Official Statements & Responses
- NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the scene as “utter devastation” and said the board will consider whether an EMAS could have mitigated the outcome.
- The FAA expressed “deepest sympathies” and confirmed recovery of the flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders.
- Amazon said it is “heartbroken” and will fully cooperate.
- 21 Air CEO Keith Winters called the incident “devastating” and pledged cooperation.
- Professional Ocean Service Corp. offered “hearts and prayers” for families.
- Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz called it “an incredibly tragic incident.”
Why It Matters
The accident occurred during the Labor Day travel weekend, prompting the closure of two of Miami’s four runways and causing widespread cancellations. The lack of an EMAS at a major hub has revived debate over requiring such safety systems at busy commercial airports.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The NTSB will continue on-site evidence collection, analyze the recordings, and issue safety recommendations later this year. Regulators will decide whether Miami International should install an EMAS, and runway closures are expected to be lifted as investigations progress.
