An Amazon cargo plane overshot the runway at Miami International Airport on September 7, 2026, leading to a tragic accident. The incident resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries when the plane collided with a van on airport property.
Flight Attempt and Accident Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analyzed flight data suggesting the pilot tried to abort an unsteady landing. Before coming to a stop, the plane crashed into a van and then hit an SUV on a nearby street. The chairwoman of the NTSB, Jennifer Homendy, announced plans to interview the pilot and co-pilot to investigate why the landing went wrong. The cockpit voice recorder is being reviewed to understand the pilots’ actions prior to the crash. Flight data revealed that the thrust reversers were not deployed.
“A go-around probably should have been executed sooner,” said former FAA official Mike O’Donnell. “The delay may have been critical.”
Casualties and Injuries
The five deceased were occupants of a van belonging to Professional Ocean Service Corp., a company specializing in aircraft cleaning. Two people remain in critical condition, and one is in stable condition. The pilot and co-pilot have been discharged from the hospital.
Expert Commentary and Weather Conditions
Mike O’Donnell suggested there might have been hesitation during the go-around attempt. Aviation attorney Mary Schiavo noted there could have been pilot disagreement on actions to take and the weather played a role, with strong winds influencing the landing. NTSB will investigate if changes in air traffic control instructions regarding runway approach could have mitigated the accident.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
The incident highlighted Miami’s lack of lightweight, crushable material at the runway end to stop overrunning planes. While the airport meets basic FAA requirements, the NTSB will consider whether enhanced safety measures could have prevented the accident. Though hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled, the airport has now reopened one of its previously closed runways.
Aircraft Background
The cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, was a 32-year-old Boeing 767. Originally configured for passengers, it was retrofitted for cargo use in 2015. The NTSB’s investigation will take comprehensive evidence into account, determining both causes and preventive recommendations.