Flight Recorders Recovered from Amazon Cargo Plane Crash in Miami

Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The priority remains the recovery of victims. Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, overshot the runway while attempting to land shortly before 14:00 local time (19:00 BST) on Sunday. The plane struck two vehicles, a cleaning van carrying seven people and a Toyota with three passengers. NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stated that it is too early to draw conclusions about the cause of the crash, as investigators are still in the "fact finding stage." Homendy spoke at a press conference at Miami International Airport on Monday, noting that the aircraft had two crew members on board and was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day. The plane hit navigational aids and equipment after overrunning the runway, then collided with a white Ford van owned by a contract cleaning company. It continued through a perimeter fence and struck a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest approximately 1,300 feet (394 meters) beyond the runway. Homendy described the crash scene as having debris from the aircraft, vehicles, and airport fencing scattered across the area. She emphasized that recovering victims' bodies is the current priority, stating, "The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait." The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being sent to NTSB headquarters for evaluation. Homendy indicated that investigators cannot yet provide substantive information about the cause of the crash as they are still collecting evidence at the scene. Investigators will review the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. Separate teams will assess the plane's systems and engines, while a meteorologist will evaluate the weather conditions at the time of landing. The NTSB will also consider whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. This will be a key part of the investigation. Earlier analysis by BBC Verify indicated that there was an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots (48 km/h). The NTSB has requested members of the public to share photographs or videos that could assist the investigation. Homendy stated that the agency would make safety recommendations at the conclusion of its investigation, emphasizing the importance of implementing these recommendations to prevent future tragedies. Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed following the crash, and passengers have been warned to expect further disruptions after Sunday's cancellations affected the arrival of aircraft and flight crews. The crash occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the US. Amazon expressed that it was heartbroken by the loss of life and is working closely with authorities. The company operating the aircraft, 21 Air, expressed its condolences and stated it is cooperating with the investigation.