An Amazon Air Boeing 767-300 cargo plane, designated Prime Air Flight 7598 and operated by 21 Air, overran runway 30 at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 6, 2026, just before 2 p.m. local time. The aircraft had departed earlier that day from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The cargo plane crossed the airport perimeter near Northwest 67th Avenue and struck multiple vehicles, resulting in at least five fatalities and five hospitalizations. Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz reported that some victims were trapped inside their vehicles, with at least three in critical condition. The aircraft caught
fire and was leaking fuel at the crash site, prompting an extensive emergency response.
More than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene, working to contain fuel leaks and secure the area. Miami International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States serving 26 million passengers in 2025 and expecting 900,000 over the 2026 Labor Day weekend, closed all runways and taxiways following the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop on all flights at the airport effective until at least 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on September 6.
FlightAware reported nearly 200 flight cancellations
and over 250 delays at Miami International Airport after the crash, with inbound flights experiencing average delays of about 6.5 hours. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travelers to anticipate significant delays and cancellations.
Official Responses and Safety Priorities
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz expressed the community’s mourning and commitment to providing information, stating, “We will continue to update you as soon as information is confirmed. Our entire community is joined in prayers and grieving for those who are affected.” Miami-Dade Fire Chief Raied Jadallah confirmed the ongoing risk, noting the plane was leaking fuel and firefighting efforts were underway.
Amazon Air emphasized that its highest priority
is the safety and care of those involved, saying, “We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened. Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved.” The FAA has launched an investigation focusing on the runway conditions, aircraft performance, braking action, and crew decisions. No cause has yet been confirmed.
Impact on Airport Operations During Labor Day Travel Rush
The incident took place amid the busy Labor Day weekend travel period, affecting a crucial airport hub in South Florida. The FAA’s ground stop and runway closures led to widespread operational disruption. FlightAware identified Miami International Airport as having the
highest number of cancellations and delays nationwide following the crash.
Miami International handled 26 million passengers in 2025 and projected nearly 900,000 travelers over Labor Day weekend 2026, making the airport a critical node for air traffic in the region. The crash adds to recent serious aviation incidents in the United States, including a fatal UPS cargo jet crash in 2025 and a collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter earlier that year.
Pending Investigation and Unconfirmed Factors
The National Transportation Safety Board in cooperation with the FAA and local authorities is investigating the crash. Officials have not disclosed any mechanical
failures, weather conditions, or pilot errors as contributing factors. The analysis will include reviewing the aircraft’s performance, runway conditions, braking effectiveness, and crew actions. Further details will be released as the inquiry progresses.
