Federal investigators offered their first major update on Monday regarding the fatal cargo plane crash in Miami. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy led the afternoon briefing. She confirmed that investigators have successfully recovered both black boxes from the wreckage. These devices include the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder. Both units are now heading to laboratory specialists in Washington for extensive analysis. Homendy noted that securing the recordings marks a crucial early milestone.
It appears that the accident involving Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-33A(ER)(BDSF) N1997A may have been caused by the flight crew failing to apply reverse thrust in time after landing, resulting in the aircraft overrunning Runway 30 at Miami International Airport.
The aircraft,… pic.twitter.com/YjouBopFM3
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) September 7, 2026
The tragic accident unfolded Sunday afternoon at Miami International Airport. Flight 7598 arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, operating for Amazon Prime Air. Contract carrier 21 Air operated the 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 cargo jet. While touching down on Runway 30, the widebody freighter failed to stop on the pavement. It blew past the runway end at roughly 129 miles per hour. Tracking data showed the aircraft was still moving fast as it hit the grass.
The speeding jet plowed through the airport boundary and crossed a busy perimeter road. Tragically, the plane slammed into several vehicles, including a passenger van carrying seven people. Five people were killed in the crash, while five others suffered injuries. Three injured victims remain in critical condition at local trauma centers. First responders rescued two pilots trapped inside the cockpit as fire engulfed the engines. Over two hundred emergency personnel battled heavy flames and a prolonged fuel leak.
Homendy outlined key areas that federal teams will scrutinize in the coming weeks. Investigators want to know exactly where the aircraft touched down on the runway. Standard operating procedures require planes to land within the first 3,000 feet. Video footage suggested the jet floated abnormally far down the tarmac before settling. If a plane floats too long, pilots typically execute a go-around maneuver. The inquiry will determine why the crew did not abort the landing attempt.
Investigators are also reviewing weather conditions and mechanical performance. Severe storm clouds, wet surfaces, and strong wind gusts surrounded the airfield on Sunday. A strong tailwind can severely reduce available stopping distance. Teams are inspecting the plane’s tires, brake assemblies, and reverse thrusters. The maintenance history of the converted airliner will also undergo a rigorous review. Investigators will review maintenance records from foreign carriers that previously flew the jet.
Runway infrastructure will receive scrutiny as well. Unlike many major hubs, Miami lacks crushable concrete arresting beds at this runway boundary. These systems have saved hundreds of lives across the country during overrun incidents. Federal officials noted that Miami was not legally mandated to install them. Still, the absence of an arresting bed will draw intense questions.
Air traffic recordings show the crew did not broadcast an emergency before touching down. Tower personnel only learned of the disaster when an airport vehicle spotted the runaway plane. Amazon and 21 Air have pledged full cooperation with all federal investigators. Homendy stressed that determining the probable cause will take time. A preliminary factual report is expected within thirty days. For now, the community mourns five lost lives as federal investigators search for answers.
Sources
- Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/cargo-plane-crash-miami-airport-amazon-prime-d5118998e880f380a3fd8786e35fd9bb
- CBS News Miami: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/miami-airport-plane-disabled-9-6-2026/
- Jamaica Observer: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/09/07/flight-data-recorders-recovered-amazon-cargo-plane-crash/
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/07/amazon-cargo-plane-crash-miami-airport
- Aviacionline: https://www.aviacionline.com/english/accidents-and-incidents/miami-airport-partially-reopens-after-crash-that-killed-five_a6a9e67cc30b2041eb7db09cd
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