Investigators Begin Probe Into Deadly Miami Cargo Plane Runway Overrun

Federal investigators have arrived at Miami International Airport to determine what caused an Amazon cargo aircraft to overrun the runway, crash into vehicles and burst into flames, killing five people and injuring five others.

The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Prime Air as Flight 7598, was landing shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Sunday after departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it ran beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft crossed a perimeter road and struck several vehicles before coming to rest and catching fire.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun examining the wreckage and other evidence at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating.

Investigators are expected to examine a range of possible factors, including the aircraft’s approach and landing, weather and wind conditions, its mechanical and maintenance history, and how much runway remained when the plane touched down. Authorities have not yet identified a definitive cause.

Authorities said five people died in the crash, while another five were injured. Three of those injured were reported to be in critical condition.

The crash created a complex emergency operation because the aircraft struck vehicles beyond the runway and became engulfed in flames. More than 60 emergency response units were deployed to the scene.

The condition and fate of the pilots were initially unclear as rescuers worked to reach people trapped in the aircraft.

Amazon confirmed that one of its planes was involved and said it was working with authorities to establish exactly what happened. The company has expressed condolences to those affected and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.

The accident temporarily brought operations at Miami International Airport to a halt. The FAA issued a ground stop for incoming flights, while runways and taxiways were closed as emergency crews dealt with the wreckage.

Flights later resumed, but passengers faced substantial delays and cancellations. The crash also prompted authorities to close nearby roads while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.

The aircraft, a 32-year-old Boeing 767, had originally operated as a passenger aircraft before being converted to cargo service in 2015. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s history as part of the effort to establish whether any mechanical or maintenance issues contributed to the accident.

The investigation is expected to take time, with officials cautioning against drawing conclusions before investigators complete their examination of the aircraft, flight data and other evidence.