An investigation is currently underway by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following a tragic runway overrun incident at Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026. The accident involved an Amazon Air cargo aircraft, resulting in the deaths of five individuals who were in vehicles on the ground at the time of the incident.
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During a news conference held shortly after the crash, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy detailed that the victims were in two separate vehicles struck by the Boeing 767-300, which is operated by 21 Air. The aircraft had just completed its third flight of the day, arriving from Cincinnati and en route back to San Juan, Puerto Rico, before attempting to land in Miami.
The incident occurred around 1:53 p.m. ET when the cargo plane overran Runway 30 upon landing. In its trajectory, it collided with navigational equipment and then struck a white Ford Econoline van carrying seven passengers. After this impact, the plane continued on, breaching a perimeter fence and subsequently hitting a Toyota Corolla Cross that was travelling on a nearby road before ultimately coming to rest in grassland and crashing into another fence.
Reports indicate that the aircraft travelled approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway’s end. Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz confirmed that five individuals were killed in the incident, while five others were taken to hospital for treatment. The two pilots on board the plane survived the crash.
Fire Rescue units from Miami-Dade were promptly dispatched to the scene, discovering the plane engulfed in flames and smoke. Eyewitnesses, including Grace Mercado, described the alarming noise and chaos as the aircraft crashed, with Mercado vividly recalling, “It was extremely loud… like something from a movie.”
As part of the investigation, the NTSB has retrieved both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage. Investigators are now analysing the data to ascertain the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Chairwoman Homendy emphasised the importance of collecting evidence and documenting the crash site, noting that the investigation team, comprising 32 members, would remain on-site for at least another week.
Homendy also extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, highlighting the profound impact of the event. The NTSB has requested that anyone with relevant footage, images, or information about the incident come forward to assist in the investigation.
In response to the incident, Amazon expressed its sorrow in a statement, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who perished. A spokesperson emphasised the company’s commitment to cooperating fully with local authorities and the ongoing investigation.
Similarly, Keith Winters, CEO of 21 Air, issued a statement expressing devastation over the loss of life and reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting those affected and ensuring the investigation proceeds smoothly. He stated, “Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available.”
The circumstances surrounding the runway overrun remain unclear, and no definitive cause has been determined as the investigation continues. Both the NTSB and airline officials are focussed on gathering as much evidence as possible to uncover the reasons behind this tragic event.