aviation news•Tue, September 8, 2026•4 min read

NTSB Recovers Flight Recorders in Deadly Amazon Air Miami Crash

Federal investigators have successfully recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 that overshot a Miami runway. The crash, which claimed five lives, has triggered an urgent NTSB investigation into braking, speed, and pilot decision-making. Authorities are currently working to piece together exactly why the aircraft traveled 1,300 feet past the runway perimeter.

A Devastating Incident at Miami International

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed the recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Amazon Prime Air cargo jet that crashed at Miami International Airport this past Sunday. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air, overran the runway, eventually coming to a halt after traveling 1,300 feet beyond the pavement. The accident resulted in five fatalities and left five others with serious injuries.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the scene as one of 'utter devastation.' Beyond the wreckage of the aircraft, the plane impacted two vehicles, contributing to the high casualty count. While investigations are in the early stages, the recovery of the 'black boxes' provides a critical path forward for federal investigators seeking to understand the final moments of the flight.

Investigating the Crash: What We Know So Far

Federal investigators are currently performing a multi-faceted analysis to determine the cause of the overrun. Key areas of focus for the NTSB include:

The aircraft’s precise touchdown point on the runway.
Ground speed and atmospheric conditions during the landing attempt.
Performance of the braking systems.
The decision-making processes of the flight crew leading up to the incident.

21 Air, the company operating the aircraft for Amazon, has stated that they are fully cooperating with the NTSB investigation. Officials are also calling on the public to submit any photos or videos of the event that could assist in reconstructing the timeline.

Anyone with photos or videos relevant to the investigation was asked to submit them to witness@ntsb.gov.
— NTSB Official Statement

Impact and Broader Implications

The incident has caused significant operational ripple effects at Miami International Airport, with reports of delayed and canceled flights stemming from the runway obstruction and subsequent crash site investigation. As investigators continue to process the scene, the focus remains on recovery and transparency regarding the safety protocols of regional cargo operations.

Key Takeaways

The NTSB has recovered both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the crashed Boeing 767.
The aircraft overshot the runway by 1,300 feet, resulting in five deaths and five serious injuries.
Investigators are analyzing braking performance, speed, and pilot decision-making as potential factors.
The cargo jet was operated by 21 Air, which is actively cooperating with federal authorities.
The NTSB has requested that anyone with video or photo evidence of the crash contact them via email.

FAQ

What airline was operating the Amazon cargo plane?

The Boeing 767-300 involved in the crash was operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Prime Air.

Have the black boxes been found?

Yes, the NTSB confirmed that both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered as of Monday.

How many people were killed in the accident?

Tragically, five people were killed in the crash, and five others sustained serious injuries.

What is the NTSB focusing on in their investigation?

Investigators are examining the aircraft's speed, weather conditions, braking performance, and the crew's decision-making process.

How can witnesses help the investigation?

The NTSB has asked members of the public who have relevant photos or videos of the crash to submit them to witness@ntsb.gov.