An Amazon cargo plane overran Miami International Airport’s runway at 2 p.m. Sunday, killing at least five people and injuring three more critically. The incident, involving a Boeing 747-8F, was the deadliest aviation crash in the U.S. since 2013. The plane’s overshoot triggered a fire and debris spread across the taxiway, forcing evacuations and grounding flights. Authorities are investigating whether the runway was improperly marked or if human error contributed. The crash underscores the need for stricter oversight in high-density cargo hubs, where delays and miscommunication can escalate risks.
The accident occurred as the plane—carrying unspecified cargo—was taxiing for takeoff. Miami-Dade County officials confirmed five fatalities, while three survivors were taken to hospitals in critical condition. The plane, inbound from an undisclosed location, had already landed prior to the incident. Rescue operations included fire suppression and debris clearance, with no immediate signs of further collapse. The airport suspended all arrivals and departures for over an hour, prompting a surge in diverted flights to nearby airports.
Airline operators and aviation regulators are reviewing protocols for runway management in crowded hubs like Miami, where cargo operations often operate alongside passenger flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced criticism for slow response times in past crashes, though this incident’s cause remains under investigation. The incident may prompt temporary operational changes, including extended runway markings or restricted cargo flight hours near peak passenger traffic.
No direct cause has been confirmed, but reports suggest discrepancies between the plane’s recorded taxi speed and runway length. While initial reports called it a