Key braking systems failed to deploy during a deadly Amazon cargo jet crash at Miami International Airport on Sunday, September 8, 2026, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported Tuesday. The aircraft overran the runway, striking two vehicles and killing five people.
While the jet's wheel brakes were applied, available data shows that the speed brakes and thrust reversers did not deploy, according to NTSB investigator in charge Chihoon Shin. "There was no indication in the recorded data that speed brakes or thrust reversers were deployed," Shin stated.
Investigators plan to interview the pilots involved, but officials are not speculating on the cause of the crash at this early stage. "When we analyze the full list of parameters, we’ll have a better idea of the aircraft’s performance during this landing. Was it normal? Was it not? And what was working and what was not. So I’m not going to speculate on what should have been right now," Shin said. "What we need to do is talk to the crew and get their account to understand how they’re manipulating the controls in order to get a better understanding of the situation."
The captain of Prime Air Flight 7598 was 55 years old with 7,145 flight hours, according to his most recent medical certificate from March 31, 2026. The first officer, 37, had 2,655 flight hours, based on his medical certificate from April 13, 2026.
No hazardous materials were on board the flight, which was carrying contact lenses and a flight kit. The cargo weighed 32,222 pounds.
Five people died and five others were injured in the crash. Seven of the victims were in a van that was crushed on airport property. The plane continued through an airport fence and struck another vehicle before coming to a stop near a parking lot.
An Amazon cargo plane lies damaged near a parking lot two days after overshooting a runway at Miami International Airport on Sept. 8, 2026, in Miami.
