Investigators in the United States have recovered the flight recorders from an Amazon-operated cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, claiming five lives and seriously injuring five others.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the recovery of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are now being sent to NTSB headquarters for detailed evaluation. However, the agency emphasised that the immediate priority remains the recovery of victims from the scene.
The incident occurred shortly before 14:00 local time (19:00 BST) on Sunday when a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, operated by 21 Air, overran the runway while attempting to land. The plane subsequently collided with two ground vehicles.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stated at a press conference on Monday that it was premature to conclude the cause of the crash, with investigators still in the "fact-finding stage". She described the crash scene as "devastating", noting the extensive debris scattered across the area, and acknowledged the challenges faced by first responders.
The aircraft, which had two crew members on board, was on its third flight of the day, arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. After overrunning the runway, the plane struck navigational aids and equipment. It then collided with a white Ford van, owned by a contract cleaning company and carrying seven people, before travelling through a perimeter fence and striking a Toyota Corolla with three passengers. The aircraft ultimately came to rest approximately 1,300ft (394m) beyond the runway.
Ms Homendy confirmed that the NTSB would conduct a comprehensive investigation, examining various factors including the aircraft's flight history, the experience and training of the crew, radar data, and the plane's performance. Separate teams will analyse the aircraft's systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions prevalent at the time of the landing.
A significant aspect of the inquiry will be to determine whether the runway should have been equipped with an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS). This safety system is specifically designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Ms Homendy highlighted this as a "key" component of the investigation.
Early analysis conducted by BBC Verify indicated the presence of an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots (48km/h).
The NTSB has issued an appeal to the public for any photographs or videos that could assist the investigation. Ms Homendy underscored the agency's mission, stating that the ultimate goal is to issue safety recommendations at the conclusion of their work. "That's why we're here - to prevent the next tragedy," she said, adding: "Our recommendations must be implemented, or we'll be here again."
The crash occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a period typically associated with high travel volumes in the US. Two of Miami International Airport's four runways remain closed following the incident, prompting warnings to passengers to anticipate further disruption due to cancellations affecting incoming aircraft and flight crews.
Amazon expressed its condolences, stating it was "heartbroken" by the loss of life and that it was working closely with authorities. 21 Air, the company operating the aircraft, also extended its sympathies and confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
