Amazon cargo plane overruns Miami airport runway and catches fire
A Boeing 767-300 operated by Amazon Prime Air crashed after overshooting Runway 30 at MIA, triggering a total airport ground stop and widespread flight delays.
Amazon cargo plane crashes after runway overrun at Miami International Airport
An Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon after overrunning a runway, striking multiple vehicles and bursting into flames. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. local time, forced the closure of all runways and taxiways, triggering a ground stop that halted all air traffic at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the crash, identifying the aircraft as 21 Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by Amazon Prime Air.
The plane had departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was en route to Miami when it overshot Runway 30 after landing. Images from the scene showed the aircraft resting on its belly beside a roadway, with two semi-trucks parked nearby. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed over 60 units to the site, extinguishing flames and assessing the situation. The FAA noted the crash occurred during a flight that took approximately two hours, with the Boeing 767-300 landing on a runway longer than 9,000 feet.
The crash led to the immediate closure of all runways and taxiways at Miami International Airport (MIA), with the FAA issuing a ground stop to prevent additional flights from landing or departing. The agency warned of “significant delays and potential cancellations” once operations resume, citing the need for first responders to assess the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is “gathering information” about the incident, though no preliminary findings have been released. The FAA stated the crash occurred after the aircraft “overran the runway after landing,” without specifying the cause.
DetailInformationAircraftBoeing 767-300Flight Number21 Air Flight 7598OriginLuis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan, Puerto RicoTime of IncidentApproximately 2:00 p.m. local timeRunwayRunway 30
Impact on travelers and local authorities
The crash disrupted air travel across the southeastern United States, with the FAA urging passengers to expect extended delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tweeted that responders were “assessing the scene” and advised travelers to “expect significant delays and potential cancellations.” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated her office was “closely monitoring” the situation, emphasizing the focus on first responders and affected individuals.
Local reports indicated the plane struck vehicles near the 2100 block of Northwest 42nd Avenue before coming to rest in an adjacent field. No immediate details were available about the status of the aircraft’s crew or any ground casualties. The FAA noted the crash occurred during a flight that took approximately two hours, with the Boeing 767-300 landing on a runway longer than 9,000 feet. The 32-year-old aircraft, originally built for passenger service, had been converted to cargo use in 2015, according to flight-tracking site Flightradar24.
Investigation and unanswered questions
The FAA and NTSB have initiated investigations into the crash, but the cause of the runway overrun remains unclear. Air traffic control audio reviewed by CNN showed pilots did not declare an emergency before landing, raising questions about the sequence of events. The NTSB’s involvement suggests the incident will be thoroughly examined, though no timeline for findings has been provided.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated, “Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved.” The FAA confirmed all runways and taxiways at MIA remain closed, with over 250 flights delayed as of late Sunday afternoon. The agency warned delays would likely persist even after the airport reopened, with arrivals and departures expected to resume at a reduced rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there any injury or fatality reported?
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported “multiple patients” at the scene, but no confirmed injuries or fatalities were disclosed. A separate source, ABC News (AU), reported “at least five people have died after the crash,” though no immediate details were provided about the identities of those involved.
What is the status of Miami International Airport?
All runways and taxiways at MIA are closed, with a ground stop in effect. The FAA has warned of “significant delays and potential cancellations” once operations resume, though no timeline for reopening has been announced.
What is the next step in the investigation?
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, focusing on the cause of the runway overrun. The FAA has not released preliminary findings, and no official statement has been made about the aircraft’s crew or cargo.
The incident underscores the complexities of aviation safety, particularly for cargo operations. As investigators work to determine the cause, the focus remains on the safety of those involved and the broader implications for air traffic management. The next critical development will be the NTSB’s findings and the FAA’s assessment of the airport’s readiness to resume normal operations.
Dateline Wire is dedicated to independent, evidence-backed reporting. This briefing was synthesized from primary source reporting, corroborated across independent newsrooms, and verified against our Editorial Standards.
