Five Killed, Five Injured After Amazon Cargo Plane Overruns Runway at Miami International Airport

Five people were killed and five others were hospitalized after a cargo plane operating for Amazon overran a runway while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

According to authorities, the Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft overran Runway 30 shortly before 2 p.m., left the airport pavement and came to rest in a field after striking multiple vehicles. Three of the injured were reported in critical condition, while two others suffered less severe injuries.

The aircraft was operating as Air Flight 7598 and had arrived from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight was operated by North Carolina-based cargo carrier 21 Air for Amazon’s Prime Air network.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what caused the aircraft to overrun the runway.

What Happened at Miami International Airport?

The cargo plane was attempting to land at Miami International Airport when it overran Runway 30, according to the FAA.

Video captured the aircraft leaving the runway before the crash shortly before 2 p.m.

The plane eventually came to rest in a field beside a roadway near two semi-trucks after striking multiple vehicles.

Emergency crews encountered heavy flames and smoke, including fires involving the aircraft’s engine compartments.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed approximately 200 firefighters for firefighting, search-and-rescue and technical rescue operations.

The pilot and co-pilot were reportedly trapped inside the aircraft and had to be rescued. Other victims were trapped inside vehicles struck during the crash and required extrication.

Five People Killed and Five Hospitalized

Authorities confirmed that five people died as a result of the crash.

Five additional people were transported to hospitals. Three were critically injured, while two suffered injuries described as less severe.

A source familiar with the response told NBC6 that two pilots were transported to Jackson South Medical Center and three other people were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Authorities had not publicly identified the people who died or those who were hospitalized as of the latest report.

The available information also does not specify whether the five people killed were inside vehicles on the ground, aboard the aircraft or elsewhere in the crash area.

What Caused the Boeing 767 to Overrun the Runway?

Federal investigators have not yet determined why the aircraft was unable to remain on or stop within the runway.

The FAA announced that it would investigate, while the NTSB is sending an investigative team to Miami.

A runway overrun can involve numerous potential factors, and the fact that an aircraft left the runway does not establish which factor was responsible.

Investigators may examine the aircraft’s approach and landing speed, touchdown location, braking systems, thrust reversers, tires, flight-control systems, runway conditions, weather, crew decisions and communications with air traffic control.

Until investigators analyze the aircraft, flight data and physical evidence, it would be premature to attribute the crash to pilot error, mechanical failure, runway conditions or any other specific cause.

NTSB Investigation Could Provide Critical Answers

The NTSB investigation will likely involve extensive physical and electronic evidence.

Investigators may recover the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Those devices can provide information about the aircraft’s speed, altitude, configuration and operation, as well as communications and conditions inside the cockpit before and during the landing.

Other potentially important evidence may include:

• Air traffic control recordings
• Airport surveillance and security footage
• Flight data and cockpit voice recorder information
• Aircraft maintenance and inspection records
• Pilot training, scheduling and qualification records
• Weather and runway condition reports
• Tire, brake and thrust reverser examinations
• Aircraft wreckage and engine components
• Runway markings and physical evidence
• Witness videos and statements
• Records concerning the aircraft’s prior flights and maintenance history

Investigators may also examine the locations and damage patterns of the vehicles struck after the aircraft left the runway.

Aircraft Was Operated by 21 Air for Amazon

The aircraft was operating within Amazon’s Prime Air cargo network, but the flight itself was operated by 21 Air.

That distinction could become important in any subsequent civil litigation.

Determining which companies may bear legal responsibility after a commercial aviation accident requires more than identifying the brand associated with the cargo. Investigators and attorneys may need to examine who owned, operated, maintained and controlled the aircraft, as well as the contractual relationships among the companies involved.

Amazon’s involvement in the cargo operation does not, by itself, establish that the company was legally responsible for the crash.

Similarly, 21 Air’s role as the flight operator does not establish negligence. Liability will depend on what investigators determine caused the runway overrun.

Investigators May Examine the Aircraft’s Maintenance History

The Boeing 767 involved in the crash was approximately 32 years old, according to the information available following the accident.

The aircraft was originally built as a passenger plane, operated for several airlines for more than two decades and was converted into a cargo aircraft in 2015.

An aircraft’s age alone does not mean it was unsafe or improperly maintained.

However, investigators will likely review its maintenance and inspection history as part of determining whether any mechanical or structural issue contributed to the accident.

If evidence eventually identifies a defective component, improper maintenance or another mechanical problem, investigators could examine the companies responsible for maintaining, repairing or supplying the relevant equipment.

Product liability involving an aircraft or component manufacturer would require evidence connecting an actual defect to the crash. There is currently no information establishing such a defect.

Ground Victims Can Have Claims After an Aviation Accident

This crash is particularly significant because the aircraft reportedly struck multiple vehicles after leaving the runway.

People on the ground can suffer catastrophic injuries in aviation accidents despite having no connection to the operation of the aircraft.

If negligence or another legally actionable failure caused the runway overrun, people injured on the ground may potentially have claims against the responsible parties.

The families of those killed may likewise have potential wrongful death claims, depending on the results of the investigation and the circumstances of each death.

Because authorities have not yet said where the deceased victims were located when the crash occurred, it is too early to determine how their individual claims might differ.

Who Could Potentially Be Liable for the MIA Cargo Plane Crash?

A major commercial aviation accident can involve several companies and government entities, but potential defendants should not be identified as responsible until evidence supports such a conclusion.

Depending on what the investigation ultimately finds, potential areas of inquiry could include the aircraft operator, aircraft owner, companies responsible for maintenance or repair, component manufacturers and other entities involved in the flight’s operation.

Airport or governmental liability could also become an issue if evidence identifies a runway, air traffic control or airport-related condition that contributed to the accident. Claims involving public entities can be subject to different legal requirements and limitations.

At this stage, there is no evidence establishing that Miami International Airport, an aircraft manufacturer, a maintenance provider or any other particular entity caused the crash.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Florida Aviation Accident

The deaths of five people may potentially lead to wrongful death claims if investigators determine that negligence or another actionable act caused or contributed to the crash.

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16 through 768.26, provides a framework for certain wrongful death claims arising in Florida.

Generally, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate brings the action for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages can include certain lost support and services, funeral expenses and other damages permitted under Florida law.

Commercial aviation cases can also involve federal aviation regulations, federal investigative findings, contractual relationships and complex questions about which laws apply. Each victim’s potential claim must therefore be evaluated based on the particular facts.

Injured Victims May Face Significant Long-Term Losses

Three of the five hospitalized victims were reported to be in critical condition.

For people who survive a major aircraft crash, damages can extend far beyond the initial emergency treatment. Serious burns, orthopedic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and psychological trauma can potentially require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

The specific injuries suffered in Sunday’s crash have not been publicly disclosed.

If another party is ultimately found legally responsible, injured victims may potentially seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability and other damages allowed by applicable law.

Federal Investigation Into Miami Cargo Plane Crash Continues

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the September 6 cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport.

The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air for Amazon’s cargo network, had arrived from San Juan and was attempting to land when it overran Runway 30. The aircraft left the runway, struck multiple vehicles and caught fire before coming to rest in a field beside the airport.

Five people were killed and five others were hospitalized, including three in critical condition. Authorities had not publicly identified the victims.

The investigation will now focus on determining why the aircraft overran the runway and whether operational, mechanical, environmental or other factors contributed to the crash.

We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and hope those injured are able to make the fullest possible recovery.