NTSB Report Reveals Amazon Cargo Jet Overshot Runway by 40% Before Deadly Miami Crash

The NTSB preliminary report details how an Amazon Air cargo plane overshot the Miami runway by nearly 40% before crashing, killing five people. The report highlights that the captain ignored speed warnings from the first officer and failed to deploy critical braking systems, while the air traffic controller omitted required wind advisories.
Key points
- The Boeing 767 touched down 3,750 feet past the runway threshold, traveling at 185 mph, and did not come to a full stop until 2,880 feet further along.
- The captain, who had only 150 hours of experience in the 767, did not respond consistently to the first officer's repeated warnings about excessive speed.
- The aircraft's speed brakes and thrust reversers were not deployed, and the captain called for a 'go around' with less than 1,000 feet of runway remaining.
- The air traffic controller failed to provide required wind information, despite tailwinds of 20-30 mph, which are mandatory to report under FAA regulations.
- Five people in a cleaning van were killed, and three others were seriously injured when the plane struck the vehicle and an SUV before catching fire.
Background
The crash occurred on September 6, 2026, at Miami International Airport. Amazon suspended its partnership with 21Air, the operator of the aircraft, following the incident. The NTSB investigation is ongoing, with a final cause determination expected to take over a year.
How outlets are covering it
CNN and The New York Times emphasize the captain's failure to respond to speed warnings and the controller's omission of wind data. Global News highlights the controller's failure to issue wind advisories as a significant omission but notes it was not the sole cause. WPBF focuses on the technical failure of the braking systems and the pilot's last-minute attempt to abort the landing.
Why it matters
The report underscores critical failures in pilot response and air traffic control communication that contributed to a deadly crash, raising questions about safety protocols and training in cargo aviation.
What to watch
The NTSB will continue its investigation, including in-depth discussions with the pilots, to determine the final cause of the crash. Amazon and 21Air are reviewing the report to improve safety measures.
- Amazon Air cargo plane flew past nearly half of Miami runway before deadly landing, NTSB says CNN
- Wind Warnings Were Never Given to Pilots in Miami Crash, Federal Report Says The New York Times
- Pilots of deadly Miami plane crash weren’t warned of tailwinds, report says Global News
- NTSB preliminary report reveals details of fatal cargo jet crash at Miami airport WPBF
- First officer warned that Amazon cargo plane was coming in too fast before deadly Miami crash, NTSB says CBS News
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