The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the crash of an Amazon cargo plane at Miami International Airport. The plane overshot the runway, crashed into two vehicles, and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to at least five others.
Accident Details
The Amazon Air Flight 7598, a Boeing 767-33 Alpha operated by 21 Air LLC, arrived from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was on its third flight on the day of the crash. It had previously traveled from Cincinnati to Miami and then to San Juan and back to Miami. The aircraft overran runway 30, hit navigational aids, and collided with a white Ford Econoline van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corporation, which had seven occupants. It then struck a Toyota Corolla Cross LE on Northwest 67 Avenue, traveled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway, and crashed through a fence near an area where Tesla robotaxis were stationed. All fatalities occurred in the two vehicles involved.
“I would describe it in one word: devastating, utter devastation,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said. Damage included torn vehicles, scattered debris, and demolished fencing.
Investigation and Recovery Operations
The NTSB has retrieved the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which will be analyzed at its headquarters. Although the agency possesses some speed data from other sources, it intends to verify this with information from the flight data recorder before public release. With 32 personnel at the scene, investigators have yet to fully access the aircraft due to ongoing recovery operations and fuel removal. Interviews are being scheduled by the transportation disaster assistance team.
Focus Areas of the Investigation
Investigators will explore various aspects such as human performance, airplane systems, power plants, air traffic control, aircraft performance, structures, meteorology, and airport survival factors. An Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), designed to stop overrunning aircraft, will be assessed to determine its applicability and potential impact in this incident. The team will also evaluate the contractual relationship between Amazon and 21 Air, exploring safety provisions and obligations.
The airframe, manufactured in 1994, will undergo examination concerning its age and ownership history. The NTSB aims to collect perishable evidence and document the scene, with plans to remain on-site for at least a week.
Preventative Measures
Homendy highlighted the issue of runway excursions, noting that more than 3,000 incidents have been investigated since 2008. She urged for the implementation of the NTSB’s recommendations to prevent repeat occurrences, expressing gratitude for the support from federal, state, and local officials and condolences for affected families.
Further updates will be provided, and the NTSB plans another briefing. Witnesses with relevant photos or videos are encouraged to submit them via email to [email protected].