Federal investigators have released new preliminary findings about the deadly Amazon Air cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport that killed five people on the ground and seriously injured three others.
The September 6, 2026 crash involved 21 Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating on behalf of Amazon.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft landed at unusually high speed, ran beyond the end of Runway 30 and struck two passenger vehicles before coming to rest outside the paved runway area.
The latest findings reveal that one pilot repeatedly warned that the aircraft was moving too fast during the final approach and that a go-around was called only seconds before the plane left the runway.
The NTSB investigation remains ongoing, and investigators have not yet issued a final probable cause.
What Happened at Miami International Airport
21 Air Flight 7598 was arriving in Miami from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the afternoon of September 6.
The cargo flight was operating for Amazon and carrying two crew members.
At approximately 1:53 p.m., the Boeing 767 overran Runway 30 after landing.
The aircraft continued beyond the runway and struck two vehicles on the ground.
Five people inside one of the vehicles were killed.
Three other people on the ground suffered serious injuries.
Both pilots survived with minor injuries.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a fire involving its right wing.
New NTSB Report Details Final Moments
The NTSB’s preliminary findings provide a clearer picture of what occurred during the final minutes of the flight.
Cockpit recordings indicate that one pilot began warning that the aircraft was too fast approximately one minute and 42 seconds before the recording ended.
Additional comments about excessive speed continued during the approach.
The aircraft’s automated systems also issued several warnings during the descent, including repeated “sink rate” and “too low terrain” alerts.
The aircraft eventually touched down with a recorded groundspeed of approximately 158 knots.
Investigators said braking began while the aircraft was still moving at about 146 knots.
A go-around was called only about 15 seconds before the cockpit recording ended.
By that time, the aircraft had already landed and was rapidly approaching the end of the runway.
Plane Left the Runway Seconds Later
The NTSB said the aircraft departed the paved runway surface approximately five seconds after the go-around call.
Flight data showed that the pilots briefly increased engine power to a level consistent with a go-around attempt.
The throttles were then returned to idle and the brakes were reapplied.
The aircraft was still traveling at approximately 117 knots at that point.
Seconds later, recorded acceleration values changed dramatically as the plane moved beyond the paved surface.
The final recorded groundspeed was approximately 65 knots.
Investigators also found no indication in the flight data that the aircraft’s speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed during the landing sequence.
Those findings are preliminary and do not by themselves establish why the systems were not used.
Pilots Were Reportedly Not Given Updated Wind Information
Another major focus of the investigation involves wind information provided to the flight crew.
Federal investigators found that another aircraft approaching Miami shortly before Flight 7598 had been advised of significant wind conditions.
The Amazon flight crew was not given the same updated wind information before landing.
Investigators are examining whether the lack of that information affected the pilots’ approach and landing decisions.
At the same time, the preliminary report documents repeated concerns inside the cockpit about the aircraft’s speed.
The NTSB has not yet determined how much weight each factor ultimately played in the crash.
Five People on the Ground Were Killed
All five fatalities occurred on the ground.
The victims were inside a passenger van struck after the cargo aircraft left the runway.
The crash also involved another ground vehicle.
Three additional people on the ground suffered serious injuries.
The NTSB has focused part of its investigation on the sequence of impacts and how the aircraft traveled beyond the runway before striking the vehicles.
The identities and family circumstances of the victims should be treated respectfully, particularly where relatives have not publicly shared additional personal information.
Amazon Suspended Operations With 21 Air
Amazon later announced that it had paused operations with 21 Air following the deadly crash.
21 Air had been operating cargo flights for Amazon since 2024.
Amazon said safety remained its priority and that it would continue supporting the investigation and those affected by the accident.
The suspension does not itself establish fault.
21 Air has also said it is cooperating with the investigation and reviewing its operations.
The NTSB’s final conclusions could take considerably longer to complete.
What Is Known So Far
The crash occurred on September 6, 2026, at Miami International Airport.
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-33A operated by 21 Air.
The flight was operating on behalf of Amazon.
It had traveled from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami.
The plane overran Runway 30 after landing.
Five people on the ground were killed.
Three people on the ground suffered serious injuries.
Both pilots sustained minor injuries.
Cockpit recordings show repeated warnings that the aircraft was too fast.
The plane touched down at approximately 158 knots groundspeed.
A go-around was called shortly before the aircraft left the paved runway.
The NTSB said available flight data did not indicate deployment of speed brakes or thrust reversers.
The federal investigation remains active.
What Has Not Been Confirmed
The NTSB has not yet announced the final probable cause of the crash.
Investigators have not concluded that one single action or failure caused the accident.
The preliminary findings do not establish criminal responsibility.
It has not been determined whether pilot decisions, wind information, aircraft systems, air traffic control procedures or a combination of factors ultimately caused the runway overrun.
The reason speed brakes and thrust reversers apparently were not deployed has also not been officially established.
Claims assigning sole responsibility to the pilots, air traffic controllers, Amazon, 21 Air or Boeing should therefore be treated cautiously until the investigation is complete.
Why the New Report Matters
The release of the preliminary report is significant because it moves the investigation beyond the initial crash scene and into a more detailed reconstruction of the aircraft’s final moments.
Cockpit voice and flight data recorders allow investigators to compare what the pilots were saying with what the aircraft was actually doing.
That information can help determine when concerns about speed became apparent, how the crew responded and whether the landing could have been abandoned earlier.
The investigation may also examine whether procedures at Miami International Airport were followed correctly.
Because five people died outside the aircraft, investigators are also likely to examine runway safety protections and the location of vehicles near the runway environment.
Investigation Could Take More Than a Year
Major aviation investigations often take many months to complete.
The NTSB will continue reviewing aircraft systems, crew performance, maintenance information, weather data, airport operations and air traffic control communications.
Investigators may also conduct additional testing and interviews.
A preliminary report is not a final determination.
Its purpose is to document early factual findings while the broader investigation continues.
The final report may include a probable cause as well as safety recommendations designed to reduce the risk of similar accidents.
What Happens Next
The NTSB will continue analyzing evidence from Flight 7598.
Additional information may be released as investigators complete specialized reviews involving the aircraft, airport operations, weather and human performance.
Amazon’s pause on 21 Air operations may also remain in place while the investigation continues.
Federal aviation regulators and the companies involved could separately make operational or safety changes before a final NTSB report is published.
For the families of the five people killed, the investigation remains an important process for determining how an ordinary workday at Miami International Airport turned into a fatal aviation disaster.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary findings released by the National Transportation Safety Board and verified public information available at the time of publication.
The NTSB investigation remains ongoing, and no final probable cause has been announced.
Preliminary information may change as investigators analyze additional evidence. No person or organization should be considered solely responsible for the crash unless supported by final investigative findings or appropriate legal proceedings.