Amazon Suspends 21 Air Operations After Miami Cargo Plane Crash Kills Five

Amazon has suspended its partnership with 21 Air after a cargo plane operated by the carrier and loaded with Amazon packages veered off a runway at Miami International Airport last week, killing five people.

The Boeing 767 was approaching the runway at high speed on Sept. 6 before it traveled about 1,300 feet (396 meters) beyond the runway’s end and crashed into a van carrying workers from an aircraft cleaning company. All five people who died were inside the van. Five others were injured.

“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, the operator of Flight 7598,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a prepared statement. She added that Amazon would continue supporting the investigation and those affected by the crash.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident to determine what caused the crash and whether other factors contributed to it. Investigators are expected to examine the actions of the pilots and air traffic controllers, the aircraft’s maintenance history, the airline’s operating practices and the stormy weather conditions at the time of the accident.

North Carolina-based 21 Air has transported packages for Amazon since 2024. The carrier also operates cargo flights for DHL, which did not immediately respond to questions about whether it would continue using 21 Air.

In a statement, 21 Air said it remained focused on supporting the families and loved ones affected by the accident and cooperating with the NTSB, Amazon and other partners during the investigation. The company also said it remained confident in its safety policies, procedures and training.

Information released by the NTSB on Sept. 9 indicated that the aircraft was experiencing difficulties during its approach. One of the pilots warned the other that the plane was traveling too fast as they approached for landing. A similar warning was issued after touchdown.

The investigation is continuing, and authorities have not yet determined the definitive cause of the crash.