Full Breakdown
Amazon Cargo Plane Overrun at Miami International Airport: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Preliminary Findings
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 6 a Boeing 767-33A freighter operated by 21 Air for Amazon Air overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport. After touching down about 3,750 ft beyond the threshold, the aircraft left the paved surface, struck a Ford Econoline van and a Toyota Corolla Cross, and stopped roughly 1,200 ft beyond the runway end. Five occupants of the cleaning-crew van were killed, three were seriously injured, and the two pilots sustained minor injuries.
Contributing Factors Identified
- Excessive approach speed – The first officer warned the aircraft was “too fast.” Flight data show the plane crossed the threshold at ~200 mph and touched down near 184 mph.
- Non-deployment of speed brakes and thrust reversers – Black-box data indicate the speed-brake panels remained stowed and the thrust reversers never activated.
- Incomplete wind information – The controller cleared the flight without providing the required wind direction and velocity for a tail-wind component.
- Late go-around attempt – The captain called for a go-around after touchdown with less than 1,000 ft of runway remaining; thrust increased but the maneuver was aborted and braking resumed with about 415 ft left.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Boeing 767-300F, built June 1994, converted to cargo June 2016.
- Flight hours: ~110,077; cycles: 24,505.
- Crew experience: Captain 7,267 hrs (150 hrs on the 767); First Officer 2,800 hrs (800 hrs on the 767).
- Ground speed at touchdown: reported between 184 mph (?160 knots) and 204 mph.
Official Statements & Responses
Amazon’s spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to the NTSB investigation and noted that Amazon has paused use of 21 Air pending the probe’s outcome. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the investigation is in its early stages and that the board will continue interviewing pilots and examining aircraft systems.
Expert Analysis
Former FAA official Tony Mello stressed that “when you’ve got winds like that, it is your responsibility as a controller to issue that to a pilot, especially on landing and especially when you have gusts.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you’ve got winds like that, it is your responsibility as a controller to issue that to a pilot, especially on landing and especially when you have gusts,” — Tony Mello, former FAA official
- “We can say we know they were going above the normal landing speed,” — Willard Shepard, aviation attorney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact speed at the runway threshold: CNN cites “about 203 mph,” CBS reports “about 204 mph,” while Reuters and the NTSB list a touchdown speed of 160 knots (?184 mph). All agree speed brakes and thrust reversers were not deployed, but the preliminary report does not explain whether this was pilot choice, a mechanical fault, or another factor. The investigation has not yet determined why the captain’s go-around call came after touchdown rather than earlier.
What’s Next
The NTSB’s final report is expected within one to two years. Lawsuits have been filed by families of the ground victims alleging negligence by the pilots, 21 Air, and Amazon. Both 21 Air and Amazon have pledged continued cooperation with federal investigators.