An Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport after overshooting the runway on September 7, 2026. The incident led to the tragic deaths of five individuals inside a van hit by the plane, with the plane attempting to abort an unstable landing.
Investigation Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released information suggesting that the crew tried to abort the landing before the crash. Investigators are set to interview the pilot and co-pilot to understand why the jet overran the runway.
“Flight data show an attempt to perform a go-around to retry the landing approach but was abandoned,” said NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy.
Repurcussions of the crash include significant damage. A van carrying cleaning crews was struck, and an SUV was also damaged. Five individuals inside the van succumbed to their injuries. Three others were injured, with two in critical condition.
Unstable Landing
Former FAA official Mike O’Donnell outlined the unstable nature of the landing, noting the plane landed on its nose and right landing gear. The event underscores potential hesitations during landing procedures.
“A go-around probably should have been executed sooner. It seems they hesitated,” emphasized O’Donnell.
The weather, reportedly stormy with a strong tailwind, might have complicated the landing approach.
Aviation Safety Concerns
Aviation attorney Mary Schiavo noted possible disagreements among pilots during the incident. Investigators are examining factors such as weather conditions and runway approach decisions.
A safety measure absent at Miami International Airport is the special system used to slow speeding jets at runway ends. Although Miami complies with FAA requirements for buffer space, it lacks the lightweight, crushable material implemented at over 120 airports across the U.S.
Crash Impact
Amazon issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, all of whom were employees of a cleaning service.
“Our employees are family, deeply loved. Our hearts are with those affected,” Amazon expressed.
Identification of the deceased included individuals aged between 47 to 75 years. Authorities emphasize safety concerns for airport workers.
Resuming Operations
The Miami airport resumed the use of a third runway after clearance from the NTSB, though hundreds of flights were previously affected. Investigators continue documenting evidence around the crash site.
Background of Aircraft
The plane belonged to 21 Air, a North Carolina-based cargo carrier. Originally a passenger plane, the 32-year-old Boeing 767 was converted for cargo transport in 2015.
The NTSB intends to complete its final report within a year, determining causes and recommending measures to prevent future incidents. Homendy confirmed efforts to release the remaining runway to the airport swiftly.
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