Amazon Cargo Plane That Crashed in Miami Underwent Conversion in Israel

A Boeing 767-300 cargo plane that overran a runway in Miami, striking vehicles and catching fire, had previously undergone a major conversion at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in Tel Aviv. The 32-year-old aircraft was converted from a passenger jet to a cargo plane at IAI's facilities in November 2015. This involved removing seats, reinforcing the floor, and installing a large cargo door.

IAI is a global leader in converting aging passenger aircraft into freighters, a process that offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new cargo planes. The conversion of this specific aircraft was part of a large contract IAI received from Amazon to convert dozens of Boeing 767s for Amazon's private airline, Prime Air, aimed at reducing shipping costs.

The plane was operating a cargo flight for AIR PRIME, a carrier used by Amazon, when it landed at Miami International Airport around 2 p.m. local time on September 6, 2026. It failed to stop on Runway 30, veered off, hit several vehicles, and its right wing ignited.

According to U.S. reports, five people were killed and five others injured in the crash, including the two pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the accident's causes, which typically involve pilot error, technical malfunctions, or runway conditions. Initial findings suggest the plane landed at a high speed, approximately 320 km/h.