Amazon Cargo Plane Crash: Flight Recorders Found, Investigation Enters Critical Phase

Wed Oct 07 2026 07:27:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami Intl; recorders recovered, NTSB probes cause amid weather, casualties rise.

A Boeing 767‑300 operating for Amazon Prime Air overshot Miami International Airport's runway, striking a van and a Toyota Corolla and killing five people. Investigators have secured the flight and cockpit recorders, but the priority remains the recovery and identification of victims. The NTSB, led by Chair Jennifer Homendy, is reviewing flight history, crew experience, radar data, aircraft systems and the storm that hovered over the airport. Amazon and the airline operating the aircraft have issued statements of condolence and cooperation as the investigation continues.

The Boeing 767‑300, operated by 21 Air for Amazon Prime Air, crashed near Miami International Airport on Sunday, killing five people and seriously injuring five others. The aircraft overran the runway, hit a white van carrying seven passengers and a Toyota Corolla before coming to rest approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway end. Investigators recovered the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, but they emphasize that locating and identifying victims is the immediate priority.

“It was too early to draw conclusions about what caused the crash,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, who spoke at the airport on Monday. The agency is still in the fact‑finding stage and is gathering evidence on the flight path, crew training, radar, aircraft performance and weather conditions. Separate teams will analyze the plane’s systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the thunderstorm that passed over the airport in the hours before the incident.

One key focus of the investigation is whether Miami’s runway should have been equipped with an engineered materials arresting system, or EMAS, that stops aircraft that overrun the runway. The presence or absence of such a system could change both the outcome and the conclusions of the investigation. Connectivity between weather data, bird‑strike reports and other operational factors will also be examined.

Amazon expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and said it was working closely with authorities to assist the investigation. 21 Air, the operator, sent condolences and promised full cooperation. The NTSB has called on the public to share any photographs or videos that might help reconstruct the event.

Two of Miami International Airport’s four runways remained closed after the crash, causing further delays during a busy travel period on the Labor Day weekend. Passengers and crew were redirected to alternative airports, and the airport authorities issued warnings of ongoing disruption. The crash highlights the complex interplay of weather, infrastructure and operational factors that can converge to produce an aviation incident.