The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared updates on their ongoing investigation of an Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport. The incident occurred when the plane overshot the runway, collided with two vehicles, and caught fire. Tragically, five people lost their lives, and at least five others were injured. All fatalities were individuals inside the vehicles struck by the aircraft.
Details of the Incident
The flight involved was Amazon Air Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air LLC, flying a Boeing 767-33 Alpha. Its journey started from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight that day after traveling from Cincinnati to Miami, then Miami to San Juan, before returning to Miami. On landing, the plane overran runway 30, crashing into navigational aids and two vehicles: a 2012 Ford Econoline van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corporation and a Toyota Corolla Cross LE.
The Econoline van housed seven individuals at the time of impact, while the Toyota Corolla was moving on Northwest 67 Avenue. Post-collision, the plane veered through a perimeter fence and came to a halt after traversing approximately 1,300 feet past the paved surface, stopping near Tesla robotaxis stationed at the airport.
Injury and Response Details
Two injured individuals were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, while three critically injured victims were transported to Jackson’s Ryder Trauma Center. Cellphone footage showed rescuers locating a survivor within the wrecked Toyota.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the scene as one of utter devastation, with significant debris including parts of vehicles and the aircraft scattered around. Witnesses recounted seeing plumes of smoke and flames, likening the scene to a catastrophic event from a film. Grace Mercado, a witness, shared her experience of the harrowing sight.
The quick reaction from first responders received commendations from local officials. Commissioner Natalie Milan Orbis praised Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for their rapid response time and the effective actions of the sheriff’s office.
Investigation Progress
The NTSB confirmed the recovery of both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder. These were sent for analysis, with speed data from other sources requiring confirmation against the flight data recorder. With 32 personnel on-site, investigators continue recovery efforts, as fuel removal from the aircraft remains ongoing.
Interviews are pending as the transportation disaster assistance team organizes them. The investigation will explore multiple areas including human performance, airplane systems, and contractual aspects between Amazon and 21 Air. The need for an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), which could potentially aid in such scenarios, is also under examination.
Broader Investigation Goals
The crash aircraft, manufactured in 1994, is undergoing scrutiny for age and ownership history. Homendy clarified that determining the cause is not immediate; the focus is to document the scene and gather evidence. This investigation is part of over 3,000 runway excursion probes since 2008. Recommendations from these investigations aim to prevent recurrence, emphasizing the need for implementation to ensure safety advancements.
The NTSB plans a follow-up briefing, urging anyone with relevant multimedia to forward it to [email protected]. Homendy expressed gratitude to all assisting officials and extended condolences to the families of those affected.
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