Amazon Cargo Plane Crash: 5 Dead in Miami Runway Overrun

An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 6, 2026, killed at least five people and injured five others after a Boeing 767-300 cargo jet overran the runway, crossed a busy road and slammed into multiple vehicles before bursting into flames.

What happened to the Amazon cargo plane in Miami?

Prime Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 operated by North Carolina-based 21 Air, departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was landing at Miami International Airport shortly before 2 p.m. local time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the 32-year-old aircraft overshot the end of a diagonal runway, struck a navigational aid, crossed Northwest 42nd Avenue and came to rest in an adjacent field. Flightradar24 data shows the plane was traveling nearly 130 mph when it left the runway. Miami International Airport cargo operations ground to a halt as emergency crews responded.

Casualties and rescue response

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue dispatched more than 60 units. Responders found several people trapped in vehicles and performed technical rescues. “The aircraft was leaking fuel and crews were working to contain the situation,” said Miami-Dade Fire Chief Raied Jadallah. Five people died and five were injured, including three taken to a trauma center in critical condition. Both pilots were removed from the aircraft and treated.

• Flight: Prime Air Flight 7598, Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air
• Route: San Juan, Puerto Rico → Miami International Airport
• Time: Around 2 p.m. ET, September 6, 2026
• Casualties: 5 dead, 5 injured (3 critical)
• Response: 60+ fire rescue units, fuel leak contained
• Status: All runways closed initially; two reopened later

Why did the Amazon plane overrun the runway?

The cause remains under investigation. Air traffic control audio indicates the pilots did not declare an emergency before landing. The runway is more than 9,000 feet long, and investigators from the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will examine weather, aircraft systems, braking and pilot decisions. Boeing 767 safety record will also be reviewed, though the 767-300 has a long service history. The aircraft previously flew for Air Europa, Kenya Airways and Atlas Air.

Airport shutdown and flight disruptions

All runways and taxiways at Miami International Airport were initially closed, and the FAA issued a ground stop until at least 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Two runways later reopened, but delays and cancellations continued into Monday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “Travelers should expect significant delays and cancellations.” Amazon said it was heartbroken and pledged full cooperation with investigators.

Impact on Miami and aviation safety

Miami International Airport is the busiest international cargo airport in the U.S., handling millions of tons of cargo each year. The crash shut down one of the nation’s key aviation hubs for hours and added to a string of recent U.S. aviation disasters that have renewed scrutiny of runway safety and cargo operations. “Our priority is the safety of everyone involved, and we are heartbroken by the loss of life,” Amazon said in a statement.

FAQ: Amazon cargo plane crash in Miami

How many people died in the Amazon cargo plane crash?
At least five people were killed and five others injured, according to officials.

What type of plane was involved?
A Boeing 767-300 cargo jet, operated by 21 Air as Prime Air Flight 7598, flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Miami.

Why did the plane overrun the runway?
The cause is unknown and under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Pilots did not declare an emergency, and the plane was traveling nearly 130 mph when it left the runway.

Is Miami International Airport open?
Two runways have reopened, but travelers should check with their airline because delays and cancellations continue.