Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the Amazon cargo jet involved in the Miami airport runway crash that killed five people, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said.
All five victims were inside a van and an SUV struck by the Boeing 767 after it ran beyond the runway at Miami International Airport. The van was carrying seven people working for a cleaning company, according to investigators.
The Amazon cargo jet Miami airport runway crash occurred at 2 p.m. Sunday after the aircraft returned to Miami from San Juan, Puerto Rico. It had earlier flown from Cincinnati to Miami before continuing to Puerto Rico. The Boeing 767 cargo plane crossed a road used by workers.
Investigators are examining why the aircraft remained airborne well down the runway before touching down. Video footage appears to show a late touchdown, raising questions about whether the aircraft landed beyond the touchdown zone and why the pilots did not abort the landing.
The recovered Boeing 767 cargo plane recorders are expected to provide information about cockpit conversations, aircraft performance and events during landing. The Miami airport runway accident investigation will also examine the aircraft’s speed, braking and mechanical condition.
Weather and wind conditions will form another part of the inquiry. Investigators will compare those conditions with the aircraft’s performance to determine whether weather affected the landing. The Miami airport runway accident investigation will also consider contributing factors.
The Amazon cargo jet Miami airport runway crash has raised questions about how the aircraft approached and stopped on the runway before leaving airport property. The investigation will establish the sequence of events rather than relying on video evidence.
Homendy described the crash scene as “utterly devastating.” Investigators will now reconstruct the aircraft’s final moments and identify the factors behind the deadly Miami runway crash. The Amazon cargo jet Miami airport runway crash remains under investigation.
Findings could show whether the incident resulted from operational decisions, aircraft problems, runway conditions, weather, or a combination of factors. Investigators will review evidence before reaching conclusions.
