The NTSB has initiated an investigation into a fatal runway excursion involving a 21 Air Boeing 767-300 freighter at Miami International Airport. The aircraft, operating on behalf of Amazon Air, exited the runway surface while traveling at 112 knots on September 6, 2026.
Flight data indicates the aircraft crossed the airport boundary and struck vehicles on an adjacent public road. While investigators have recovered the flight recorders, the high exit speed suggests the aircraft did not effectively decelerate on the runway. The METAR for the time of the incident noted thunderstorms, raising questions about potential hydroplaning or compromised braking efficiency.
This incident draws renewed attention to the absence of Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) technology at the runway end, which is designed to safely decelerate aircraft that overrun the pavement. The NTSB recently urged the FAA to update its wet runway landing guidance following a series of similar incidents. With the go-team on site, investigators will focus on landing performance, weight calculations, and the operational status of the aircraft’s speed-braking systems during the storm.