An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport after overshooting a runway, erupting into flames and forcing a full airport shutdown. The FAA has launched a full investigation into the incident, with no immediate updates on injuries.
Incident Overview
A Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by Amazon’s Prime Air service crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday after overshooting a runway, striking multiple vehicles, and erupting into flames, authorities confirmed.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators have launched a full probe into the incident, which forced the closure of all runways and taxiways at one of the U.S.’s busiest airports. The aircraft, Prime Air Flight 7598, arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, around 2:00 p.m. local time before departing the runway and colliding with vehicles near the airport’s northwest perimeter.
More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene, where firefighters extinguished the blaze and assessed patients. Officials have not yet released information on injuries or fatalities. The airport remains under a ground stop, with about 250 flights delayed as of late Sunday.
Immediate Impact: Airport Shutdown and Emergency Response
The crash occurred shortly after the plane’s scheduled landing, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky as captured in multiple videos shared by local media and eyewitnesses. The aircraft came to rest beside a roadway near two semi-trucks, appearing largely intact despite the fire.
Miami International Airport (MIA) confirmed all runways and taxiways were closed by 3:00 p.m. local time, with a ground stop in effect. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on social media that responders were assessing the scene while delays and cancellations were expected to persist even after reopening.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are coordinating the investigation. An FAA spokesperson reiterated that the agency would determine the cause of the runway overshoot, a rare but serious incident in aviation.
Amazon’s Response and Operational Details
An Amazon spokesperson, Kelly Nantel, acknowledged the incident in a statement to media outlets, confirming the plane was an Amazon Prime Air flight operated by 21 Air. Nantel emphasized that the company was working closely with authorities to understand the cause.
Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft departed Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan at approximately noon and reached Miami around 2:00 p.m. The Boeing 767-300, a twin-engine cargo jet, is commonly used for long-haul freight operations.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While emergency crews worked to secure the scene, no official updates on injuries or fatalities were provided by late Sunday. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported treating multiple patients at the site, including one individual described as "trapped" in radio transmissions.
The FAA’s preliminary statement noted the plane overran Miami International Airport’s diagonal runway before becoming disabled. Investigators will examine factors such as weather conditions, pilot reports, runway conditions, and aircraft performance to determine the cause.
Airport officials warned travelers to expect significant delays as operations resumed at a reduced capacity. The closure affected hundreds of flights, with FlightAware tracking disruptions into the evening.
Background: Runway Overshoot Incidents in Aviation
Runway overshoots, while uncommon, have occurred in both passenger and cargo aviation. The FAA defines an overrun as a situation where an aircraft fails to stop within the runway’s designated length, often due to factors like high speed, mechanical failure, or adverse weather. Investigations typically focus on pilot actions, aircraft systems, and airport infrastructure.
This incident follows heightened scrutiny of cargo aviation safety, particularly for operators like Amazon Prime Air, which has expanded its fleet in recent years. The NTSB has not yet released a timeline for its findings.
What’s Next?
Authorities have not indicated when the airport would reopen fully. The FAA and NTSB will continue gathering evidence, including flight data recorders, witness statements, and airport surveillance footage. Amazon has pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
For affected travelers, updates were available through Miami International Airport’s official channels and airline notifications. The situation remains fluid, with further details expected in the coming days.