It stopped 394 meters from the end of the track: 'It's hard to see'

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, an Amazon-branded cargo plane operating as 21 Air Flight 7598 overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, collided with multiple vehicles and ignited a fire, resulting in five fatalities and five injuries. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. local time during the aircraft’s approach from San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Boeing 767-300 cargo plane, operated by 21 Air, failed to stop within the designated landing area and instead continued past the end of the runway. It struck several vehicles, including a white Ford pickup truck and a Toyota Corolla, before coming to rest approximately 394 meters beyond the runway’s endpoint. Emergency services reported heavy smoke and intense flames from a complex engine fire, with over 200 responders deployed to the scene. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed that all runways and taxiways at the airport were temporarily closed, and a ground stop was issued to halt further air traffic. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the incident and stated that five individuals perished, while five others sustained severe injuries. Preliminary reports indicated that the aircraft’s navigation systems and other ground equipment were damaged upon impact. The NTSB noted that the crash site was scattered with debris from the plane, vehicles, and airport barriers, describing the situation as "devastating" for both rescuers and victims. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, focusing on gathering facts rather than speculation. She highlighted that data recorders, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, have been recovered and will be sent to the NTSB headquarters for analysis. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s history, crew training, radar data, and behavior during the landing phase. They will also assess the aircraft’s systems, engines, and weather conditions, which included an active thunderstorm nearby with wind gusts reaching 48 kilometers per hour. Homendy stressed that one key question involves whether the runway should have been equipped with an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a specialized safety surface designed to stop runaway aircraft. She described the EMAS issue as a "critical" part of the inquiry, noting that such systems could potentially prevent similar incidents in the future. "We are here to prevent the next tragedy," she added, urging the implementation of recommendations to enhance aviation safety. In response to the tragedy, Amazon confirmed the involvement of its aircraft and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. A spokesperson, Kelly Nantel, stated that the company is collaborating with local authorities and investigators to provide accurate updates. "We are heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss," Nantel said. Meanwhile, 21 Air CEO Keith Winters described the crash as "devastating" and pledged cooperation with federal investigators. "Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," he said in a statement. "Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available." As of late evening on September 6, two of the four runways at Miami International Airport had reopened, though delays persisted due to ongoing investigations and safety protocols. The airport remained under a ground delay until early Monday, according to FAA advisories. A dedicated hotline was established for family members of those involved, and the scene remained active as emergency personnel worked to secure the area.