Five people have been killed after an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overshot the runway while landing at Miami International Airport, bursting into flames and striking vehicles on the ground.
The Boeing 767-300 freighter, operated by 21 Air for Amazon, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday afternoon when it ran beyond the end of Runway 30. The aircraft traveled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway before crashing through the airport perimeter and hitting two vehicles. Reuters+1
The five fatalities were people on the ground. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), all five were inside a van carrying seven workers from a cleaning company. Another vehicle was also struck, leaving five people injured, including three who were critically hurt. The two pilots survived the crash. AP News+1
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the aircraft caught fire, with more than 60 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responding. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the crash site as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and assist victims.
Federal investigators have recovered the plane’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder as they investigate what caused the deadly runway overrun. The NTSB has deployed a team of investigators to examine the aircraft’s systems, braking performance, weather conditions, approach and landing procedures, and other possible contributing factors. Reuters
Investigators are also examining whether the aircraft landed too far down the runway and whether weather conditions, including strong winds and thunderstorms, played a role. Officials have not yet determined the official cause of the accident. The Guardian+1
The crash temporarily disrupted operations at one of the United States’ busiest airports, causing numerous flight delays and cancellations. Authorities say the investigation is continuing.