Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, while recovery of the victims remains the immediate priority, the National Transportation Safety Board said.
Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, overshot the runway shortly before 14:00 local time on Sunday. The aircraft was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day and had two crew members on board.
After overrunning the runway, the plane struck airport navigation aids and other equipment before hitting a white Ford van operated by a contract cleaning company. The van was carrying seven people within the airport perimeter. The aircraft then passed through a perimeter fence and collided with a Toyota Corolla carrying three passengers, coming to rest about 1,300 feet (394 metres) beyond the runway.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the crash scene as “devastating” and said investigators were still in the fact-finding stage. She said it was too early to draw conclusions about what caused the crash.
The recovered recorders are being sent to NTSB headquarters for evaluation. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s flight history, the crew’s experience and training, radar data, aircraft performance, systems and engines, as well as weather conditions at the time of landing.
The investigation will also consider whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system, or EMAS, which is designed to help slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy described that as a key part of the inquiry.
Earlier analysis by BBC Verify found an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots. The NTSB has asked members of the public to submit photographs or videos that could assist the investigation.
Two of the airport’s four runways remained closed after the crash. Passengers were warned to expect further disruption following cancellations on Sunday that affected aircraft and flight crews.
Amazon said it was “heartbroken” by the loss of life and was working with authorities. 21 Air expressed its condolences and said it was cooperating with the investigation.
