Amazon cargo plane crashes after overrunning runway at Miami airport

An Amazon cargo plane crashed after overrunning the runway at Miami International Airport on Tuesday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft, which was flying from Puerto Rico, struck a fence and a ditch just outside the airport after failing to stop on the final 1,200 feet of the 12,000‑foot runway. No crew members were injured, and the cargo was not hazardous. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the flight was operated by 21 Air, a U.S. cargo carrier that partners with Amazon for freight delivery, and that the company is working to support all affected parties.

The incident comes as Amazon’s cargo network expands rapidly. The company now flies more than 20,000 cargo flights a year, using a mix of its own aircraft and partners like 21 Air, to keep millions of packages moving from warehouses to customers. Miami International Airport is a major hub for the airline, handling a large share of Amazon’s south‑Atlantic traffic. Runway overruns, while rare, can happen when a plane’s speed, braking, or weather conditions are not perfectly matched. The FAA is investigating whether the pilot’s approach, the aircraft’s braking system, or a sudden wind shift contributed to the overrun. Early reports suggest the aircraft landed at the end of the day, when temperatures were high and the runway surface was slick.

The FAA will conduct a formal safety investigation, examining flight data, cockpit recordings, and maintenance records. If a fault is found, regulators could issue new operating limits or require equipment upgrades for similar aircraft. Amazon has pledged to cooperate fully and to review its cargo safety protocols. The crash may prompt a temporary pause of 21 Air flights into Miami while investigators work, potentially affecting delivery schedules for customers in the region. The incident underscores the growing pressure on cargo airlines to maintain safety standards as freight volumes surge, and it reminds regulators that even routine operations can pose risks if conditions change.