NTSB recovers recorders after deadly Miami cargo plane crash

Five people killed when an Amazon-branded cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport were inside two vehicles struck by the aircraft, federal investigators said Monday, as crews recovered the plane’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders and began examining what led to the crash.

The Boeing 767-33 Alpha, operating as Amazon Air Flight 7598, overshot runway 30 while landing Sunday after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said at a news conference. The aircraft was operated by 21 Air LLC and was on its third flight of the day, after flying from Cincinnati to Miami, then Miami to San Juan and back to Miami.

Five people were killed and at least five others were injured, officials have said. Homendy said all of those who died were in the two vehicles hit by the plane: a white 2012 Ford Econoline van inside the airport and a Toyota Corolla Cross LE outside the airport.

The van, owned by Professional Ocean Service Corporation, a contract cleaning company for airlines, was carrying seven people when it was struck, Homendy said. The plane had already hit navigational aids and other equipment before striking the van. It then tore through a perimeter fence and hit the Toyota as it traveled on Northwest 67th Avenue. The aircraft continued into grass and struck another fence line near an area where Tesla robotaxis were stationed.

In all, the plane traveled about 1,300 feet past the paved surface, Homendy said.

“I would describe it in one word: devastating, utter devastation,” Homendy said. “The Econoline van is torn apart.” She said tire marks stretched from the paved surface into the grass and debris was scattered across the area, including vehicle parts, aircraft components, navigation equipment and fencing.

Two crew members were aboard the aircraft. Miami-Dade Fire Chief Raied Jadallah said Sunday that the pilot and co-pilot were initially trapped inside the plane, NBC News reported. A cellphone video obtained by NBC South Florida showed a crew member jumping from the plane after the crash, and a photo sent to NBC News showed one crew member being taken away on a gurney.

Homendy said the NTSB’s immediate focus was the “recovery of the victims,” adding that “the investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait while that goes forward.” Investigators had not fully accessed the aircraft by Monday because recovery operations were continuing and fuel was being removed. “There’s fuel everywhere that will have to be remediated,” she said.

The recovered recorders are being sent to NTSB headquarters for download and analysis. Homendy said investigators have some speed data from other sources but want to confirm it with the flight data recorder before releasing details.

The NTSB has 32 people on the ground and expects to remain at the scene for at least a week. Investigators will form teams focused on human performance, airplane systems, power plants, air traffic control, aircraft performance, structures, meteorology and airport survival factors. They also will examine whether an Engineered Materials Arresting System, a crushable material designed to stop aircraft that overrun runways, should have been installed at the end of the runway and whether it could have made a difference.

Homendy said investigators will also review the contractual relationship between Amazon and 21 Air, including safety provisions in contracts or policies. The aircraft was manufactured in 1994, and its age and ownership history will be part of the investigation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was “heartbroken” that five people lost their lives. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss,” Nantel said. 21 Air CEO Keith Winters said in a message on the company’s website that it is cooperating with federal investigators and offered condolences to victims’ families.

The NTSB said it will not determine probable cause while on scene. Homendy said the agency plans another briefing Tuesday and asked anyone with relevant photos or videos to send them to witness@ntsb.gov.