Amazon Prime Air plane crashes at Miami airport, five killed
Cargo plane crashes during landing
At least five people were killed when an Amazon Prime Air cargo aircraft crashed while landing at Miami International Airport, according to local officials.
The aircraft was carrying out Prime Air Flight 7598 after departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. It reportedly overran a diagonal runway shortly before 2pm local time and hit several vehicles on the ground.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said five people were injured in the incident. Three of those injured were in critical condition, while two people were reportedly trapped inside vehicles struck by the aircraft.
The pilot and co-pilot were also trapped inside the plane following the crash. Officials had not immediately released the identities of those who died.
The accident triggered a major emergency response at the airport. More than 60 rescue units and around 200 personnel were sent to the scene as emergency teams worked to help those affected.
A fuel leak from the aircraft remained an active concern for rescuers later in the afternoon. Emergency workers continued efforts at the site while authorities assessed the damage.
The airport temporarily stopped all flight operations following the crash. By Sunday evening, however, two of its four runways had reopened.
🚨 BREAKING UPDATE: The plane that overran the runway and crashed in Miami was an Amazon Prime 767 en route from San Juan
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 6, 2026
Injuries HAVE been reported, but thank GOD this wasn't a passenger jet.
But obviously, keep praying from the victims! 🙏🏻
h/t @AZ_Intel_ https://t.co/MPOdEyU34T pic.twitter.com/H4NO3Tvo6O
Old Boeing freighter involved in crash
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-300 freighter that was around 32 years old, according to flight-tracking information.
The plane had previously operated as a passenger aircraft for different airlines between 1994 and 2015 before being used as a cargo aircraft.
The aircraft was operated by 21 Air for Amazon Prime Air. Following the crash, the company expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“We are devastated by the accident involving one of our aircraft in Miami today,” 21 Air said. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
Images from the crash site showed the aircraft resting with its nose on the ground and its tail raised. The right side of the plane also appeared to have burn marks.
Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft was travelling at around 112 knots, or approximately 129 miles per hour, when it left the usable runway.
The circumstances surrounding the runway overrun were not immediately clear. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, weather conditions, runway conditions, flight data and actions taken by the crew.
US investigators begin probe
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash. The agency sent a team to Miami to examine the incident and determine what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.
The investigation is expected to include a detailed review of the aircraft’s maintenance history and flight data. Investigators will also examine evidence from the crash site and speak with witnesses and relevant personnel.
The NTSB said its investigation team was being led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. The agency was also expected to hold its first media briefing in Miami on Monday.
Amazon said it was working with authorities to understand the circumstances of the crash. The company said its immediate focus was on the safety and care of everyone affected.
“We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said. “Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved.”
Boeing and 21 Air also said they would support the official investigation.
The investigation could take considerable time because aviation authorities normally examine multiple possible factors before reaching conclusions. Initial information from officials does not establish whether mechanical failure, operational issues or other circumstances caused the accident.
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Amazon Prime Air has faced an earlier fatal crash
Sunday’s incident is not the first fatal crash involving an aircraft operating for Amazon Prime Air.
In February 2019, Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating on behalf of Amazon Prime Air, crashed into Trinity Bay in Texas.
The aircraft was travelling from Miami to Houston when it entered a rapid descent and crashed. All three people aboard that aircraft were killed.
The latest crash has therefore renewed attention on the safety of cargo operations involving converted passenger aircraft. However, each aviation accident is investigated separately, and the earlier incident does not establish a connection with the Miami crash.
For now, the priority remains caring for the injured, accounting for everyone involved and securing the crash site. Authorities will also work to determine why the aircraft overran the runway and struck vehicles.
The findings of the NTSB investigation will be important in establishing the exact sequence of events. Any safety recommendations will depend on evidence collected during the investigation.
