Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from an Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, as authorities focus on recovering the victims and determining what caused the deadly accident.
Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, overshot a runway shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Sunday.
The aircraft, which had two crew members aboard, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy.
After overrunning the runway, the aircraft struck navigational aids and airport equipment before crashing through a perimeter fence and colliding with two vehicles. One was a white Ford van carrying seven people, while the second was a Toyota Corolla carrying three passengers.
The plane eventually came to rest about 1,300 feet (394 metres) beyond the runway.
Homendy said investigators were still in the “fact-finding stage” and cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the crash.
“We don’t know yet what happened,” she said, adding that investigators were focused on collecting evidence from the scene.
The recovered flight recorders are being sent to NTSB headquarters for analysis. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s flight history, the crew’s experience and training, radar information and aircraft performance.
Separate teams will inspect the plane’s systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess weather conditions at the time of the landing.
Homendy described the crash site as “devastating,” with aircraft debris, damaged vehicles and sections of airport fencing scattered across the area.
She said recovering the victims remained the agency’s immediate priority.
«“The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait,” Homendy said.»
Investigators will also examine whether the runway should have been equipped with an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), which is designed to slow or stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy said the issue would be a “key” part of the investigation.
Earlier analysis indicated that an active thunderstorm was near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting to as much as 26 knots.
The NTSB has appealed to members of the public who may have photographs or videos of the incident to share them with investigators.
Two of Miami International Airport’s four runways remained closed following the crash, with passengers warned to expect further disruption. Sunday’s cancellations affected the movement of aircraft and flight crews during the busy Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the United States.
Amazon said it was “heartbroken” by the loss of life and confirmed that it was working closely with authorities.
21 Air, which operated the aircraft, also expressed condolences to the victims and their families and said it was cooperating with investigators.
The NTSB said its investigation would ultimately seek to identify the causes of the crash and recommend safety measures to help prevent similar tragedies.
“That’s why we’re here — to prevent the next tragedy,” Homendy said.
