Five people were killed after an Amazon cargo jet crashed off the runway at Miami International Airport, with investigators now examining what caused the deadly overrun.
The victims were all inside a van operated by Professional Ocean Service Corp., an airline cleaning contractor. The van was carrying seven people when it was struck outside airport property by the Boeing 767 after the aircraft left the runway, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy.
NTSB Investigates Deadly Runway Overrun
Homendy described the crash scene as “utter devastation” after walking the path of the aircraft. Investigators found tire marks extending from the runway into the grass, a destroyed cleaning crew van, damaged fencing, airport equipment, and a crushed SUV outside the airport boundary.
The aircraft traveled approximately 1,300 feet (396 meters) beyond the paved runway surface before coming to a stop. Debris from the aircraft, vehicles, airport equipment, and surrounding structures was scattered throughout the area.
The NTSB is expected to release additional information, including confirmed speed data from the aircraft’s flight data recorder.
Investigators Focus on Landing Conditions
Federal investigators are examining whether the Boeing 767 touched down too late on the runway to safely stop.
Video footage of the landing appears to show the aircraft remaining airborne for a significant portion of the runway before touchdown. Aviation experts said investigators will analyze the exact touchdown point, aircraft speed, braking performance, weather conditions, wind factors, and mechanical condition.
The cargo aircraft had flown from Cincinnati to Miami before continuing to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was returning to Miami when it overran the runway around 2 p.m., crossing a road used by warehouse employees and nearby businesses.
In addition to the five fatalities, three people were critically injured and two others were hospitalized with less severe injuries.
Questions Around Runway Safety
Aviation experts noted that the typical landing zone for aircraft is within the first 3,000 feet (914 meters) of a runway. If the aircraft landed beyond that area, investigators will examine why the pilots did not discontinue the landing attempt and perform a go-around.
Pilot and former Transportation Department Inspector General Mary Schiavo said video of the landing appeared to show the aircraft floating above the runway for an extended period without forcing the landing gear onto the surface.
Although rain was not falling at the time, storm clouds and strong winds were reported in the area. A possible tailwind could have contributed to the aircraft traveling farther down the runway before touchdown.
Miami Airport Runway System Under Review
The airport does not have an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to stop aircraft that overshoot runways. However, officials said Miami International Airport appears to comply with current requirements because it has a 1,000-foot safety area beyond its runways.
More than 120 airports across the United States have installed EMAS systems, which use lightweight crushable materials to slow aircraft that leave the runway. The FAA has credited these systems with helping save hundreds of lives in runway overrun incidents.
Aircraft History and Investigation Details
The aircraft involved was a 32-year-old Boeing 767 operated by cargo carrier 21 Air, based in North Carolina. The plane was originally built as a passenger aircraft before being converted into a cargo aircraft in 2015.
Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, including its previous ownership and operational background.
Images from the scene showed the aircraft resting on its belly near a roadway and two semi-trucks. Despite the fire and impact, the aircraft remained largely intact.
Flight Disruptions Continue at Miami Airport
The crash disrupted operations at Miami International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States.
Two of the airport’s four runways remained closed Monday, causing continued delays as aircraft and flight crews were displaced following Sunday’s cancellations.
The airport reported 160 cancellations and more than 300 delayed flights on Sunday, followed by additional cancellations on Monday.
Amazon Responds to Fatal Crash
Amazon said it would cooperate with investigators following the accident.
The company expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in what it described as a devastating incident.
The crash follows another recent cargo aviation disaster involving a UPS aircraft in Louisville, Kentucky, where three pilots and 12 people on the ground were killed after the plane lost an engine during takeoff acceleration.
