The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) gave an update on its investigation into the crash involving an Amazon cargo plane at Miami International Airport. The incident resulted in five fatalities and injured at least five others. All deceased individuals were in the two vehicles struck by the plane, according to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.
Details of the Crash
The crash involved Amazon Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-33 Alpha operated by 21 Air LLC. The plane traveled from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami, overshooting runway 30. It collided with navigational aids and vehicles, causing significant destruction.
A white 2012 Ford Econoline van, belonging to Professional Ocean Service Corporation, was hit. Seven people occupied the van, which was inside the airport. The plane subsequently crashed through a fence, impacting a Toyota Corolla Cross LE traveling on Northwest 67 Avenue, continuing into a grassy area.
Recovery Efforts
The NTSB seized both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. These devices were en route to NTSB headquarters for analysis. Fuel removal from the aircraft was still in progress, and investigators had limited access to the crash site.
No interviews have occurred yet, but coordination efforts are ongoing. The NTSB has 32 personnel on the ground focused on recovering perishable evidence without determining the incident’s cause while onsite.
Investigation Focus
The investigation will address various factors, including human performance, airplane systems, power plants, air traffic control, structures, and meteorology. The team will also study if an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) might have mitigated the incident’s impact. EMAS, not mandatory at all airports, aims to halt an aircraft within the overrun distance of a runway.
The contractual obligations between Amazon and 21 Air will be scrutinized, with a focus on the safety protocols within their agreements. The plane’s manufacturing date of 1994 prompts further scrutiny of its age and ownership history as part of the investigation.
Wider Context and Support
Jennifer Homendy highlighted the recurring phenomenon of runway excursions, with the NTSB examining over 3,000 incidents since 2008. Homendy emphasized implementing the NTSB’s recommendations to avert future incidents.
She expressed gratitude for the support provided by federal, state, and local authorities, extending condolences to the victims’ families. For further assistance in their investigation, the NTSB requested any photos or videos be sent to [email protected]. The board intends to conduct another media briefing soon.