Five individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident at Miami International Airport when an Amazon cargo jet veered off a runway, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairperson confirmed. The victims were part of a group of seven traveling in a van from a cleaning company, which was struck by an SUV outside the airport’s premises.
NTSB Chairperson Jennifer Homendy described the crash site as “utter devastation,” noting the extensive damage caused by the Boeing 767. She highlighted the tire marks from the runway to the grass, the destroyed van, damaged fencing, and the SUV that was hit outside the airport boundaries.
Recovery efforts have successfully retrieved both the voice and data recorders from the aircraft. Homendy mentioned that further details, including the plane’s speed data, would be disclosed on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Investigators are focusing on various factors, such as the plane’s speed, braking efficiency, weather conditions, and mechanical state, to determine the cause of the runway overrun. Notably, Miami International Airport lacks engineered material arresting systems (EMAS) that are designed to prevent such incidents, as seen in over 120 airports nationwide.
Homendy emphasized that the necessity of EMAS at all airports will be a critical aspect of the investigation, considering past accidents like the American Airlines Flight 1420 incident in 1999. The aircraft involved in the crash, a 32-year-old Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air, had a history of foreign ownership and had been converted to a cargo plane in 2015.
The tragic event disrupted airport operations, with two runways remaining closed and flights being affected. Amazon expressed its cooperation with the investigation and extended condolences to the families of the victims. The company stated, “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives… Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
In a similar incident last year, a UPS plane crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in fatalities and injuries, underscoring the importance of aviation safety measures.