MIAMI — "After the tragic incident last weekend, we've spent time supporting the investigation and reviewing some of the surrounding circumstances, and we've decided to pause our operations with 21 Air," Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.

The accident occurred when a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by 21 Air overran the runway at Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026. The aircraft overshot the runway by approximately 1,300 feet after landing. It struck a van carrying workers from a cleaning company and another vehicle before coming to a stop.

Five other people were injured in the crash. The deceased were identified as Rolando Aleman Leon, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47. Both pilots survived the crash with minor injuries and were released from the hospital. Three injured individuals remained hospitalized, with two in critical condition and one in stable condition.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash. NTSB investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the aircraft. Preliminary findings indicated that one pilot warned the other multiple times about the aircraft's excessive speed during approach and landing. Investigators noted there was not a consistent verbal response to the warnings about excessive speed.

Electronic warnings alerted the pilots to danger while landing, including alerts about speed of descent and approaching terrain. One pilot called for a go-around to abort the landing approximately 15 seconds before the crash. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed that the investigation would include the actions of the pilots, air traffic controllers, the jet's maintenance history, the airline's practices, and weather conditions.

21 Air has operated flights for Amazon since 2024. In response to the suspension, 21 Air stated it is cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities. "We are confident in our safety policies, procedures and training," 21 Air said in response to Amazon's decision.

"Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives," 21 Air chief executive Keith Winters said. He added that the company's immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the appropriate authorities, and ensuring that accurate and verified information is communicated as it becomes available.

Amazon is working with other shipping companies including Sun Country Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Transport International, ABX Air, ASL Airlines, and Cargojet to fill gaps left by the suspension. "Safety has always been our top priority, whether in our own operations or when we're working with partners," Nantel said. She stated that Amazon will continue working to support the investigation and everyone affected.

Former 21 Air pilot Karl Seuring filed a legal complaint against the company alleging safety problems. Retired 21 Air pilot Tony Bless cited longstanding concerns about maintenance issues, pilot hiring quality, and management pressure.

Why It Matters

The suspension of operations with 21 Air represents a disruption to Amazon's logistics network, requiring the company to redistribute cargo volume among multiple other carriers. The incident draws attention to the safety protocols of third-party operators within the Amazon Prime Air ecosystem, particularly as the NTSB investigates potential human error and procedural failures during the landing sequence.

The involvement of former pilots raising allegations of systemic safety and management issues adds a layer of scrutiny to the ongoing federal investigation. While 21 Air maintains confidence in its training and policies, the fatal outcome and subsequent operational pause underscore the high stakes of contractual relationships in commercial aviation logistics.

Timeline

On September 6, 2026, an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane operated by 21 Air LLC overran the runway at Miami International Airport and struck two vehicles, killing five people and injuring five others. There is no information indicating that a similar incident has occurred at Miami International Airport or to 21 Air before the September 6, 2026 crash. A Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by 21 Air crashed at Miami International Airport on September 6, 2026.

The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767 originally built for passengers and converted to cargo in 2015. The flight departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

What's New

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said that Amazon had paused its operations with 21 Air after the crash, stating that they would continue to support the investigation and everyone affected.

Miami International Airport is the primary airport serving the South Florida, United States area.