NTSB: Amazon Air 767 Touched Down Far Down Miami Runway; Captain Called Go-Around With Under 1,000 ft Remaining

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released preliminary findings on the Sept. 6 Miami International Airport accident involving an Amazon Air–operated Boeing 767 that overran the runway, struck vehicles and caught fire, killing five people.

What the NTSB Found

Tracking data and recordings from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder show the jet crossed the runway threshold about 105 feet above the ground at more than 200 mph. The airplane passed roughly 40% of the runway before touching down, finally contacting the pavement about 3,750 feet beyond the runway threshold at an indicated speed near 185 mph. It took another 2,880 feet before the aircraft's weight was fully on the runway.

NTSB investigators analyzing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Amazon Air plane. - NTSB/NTSB

Black box data and cockpit control positions indicate that the speed brakes and thrust reversers—both key systems used to slow the airplane after touchdown—were not deployed. The captain applied the wheel brakes, then briefly removed his feet from the pedals and commanded a "go around" with fewer than 1,000 feet of runway remaining. Four seconds later he resumed braking, but the aircraft could not be stopped in time.

The airplane continued past the end of the runway at about 115 mph, struck navigation equipment and airport lights, then collided with a Ford Econoline passenger van (killing five occupants) and a Toyota Corolla Cross SUV. The jet erupted in flames roughly 1,200 feet beyond the paved surface. Both crew members exited the airplane—the captain via the left door and the first officer through a cockpit window—and sustained minor injuries, the NTSB said.

An aerial view annotated by the NTSB shows the path the Amazon Air Boeing 767 took after leaving the runway at Miami International Airport. - NTSB

Crew, Flight and Air Traffic Details

The flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami that day was the aircraft's third of the day and the pilots' second flight. The captain had 7,267 total flight hours but only 150 hours in the Boeing 767; the first officer had 2,800 total hours and about 800 hours in the 767. The NTSB also identified that the first officer repeatedly warned the captain the approach was too fast; investigators said there was "not a consistent verbal response" from the captain to those warnings.

The air traffic controller handling the arrival had been on duty for 17 minutes at the time of the accident. The controller has 11 years of experience and was certified in 2019 to manage that sector of Miami International Airport. Investigators noted the controller did not provide wind information when clearing the aircraft to land—a required step under FAA guidance when tailwinds exist. At the time, the aircraft was landing to the northwest while winds were from the south at around 20 mph, gusting to 30 mph.

The site of an Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport on September 7, 2026. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Company Response and Investigation Status

21Air, the carrier operating the flight for Amazon Air, said it is cooperating with the NTSB and reviewing the preliminary report. The company said its immediate focus has been supporting those affected, including the injured and the families of the deceased. Amazon Air suspended operations with 21Air following the accident.

The NTSB has not yet determined a probable cause; final findings typically take more than a year. The agency's investigation will focus on establishing what happened and issuing safety recommendations to help prevent similar accidents in the future rather than assigning criminal blame.

Note: These are preliminary findings from the NTSB report. Additional analysis and the final report may provide further details or revise these initial observations.