Flight recorders recovered from ‘devastating’ Amazon cargo plane crash
BBC News
Recovery Efforts and Initial Findings
Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the tragic Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport, though the primary focus remains on recovering victims. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided these updates:
- Victims: Five people were confirmed killed and five others seriously injured in the Sunday afternoon crash.
- Flight Information: The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, had two crew members on board and was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day.
- Crash Scene: NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy described the scene as "devastating," with debris scattered across the area. The plane struck navigational aids and equipment after overrunning the runway, hitting a van and a car.
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): These have been recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters for analysis.
Details of the Crash
Homendy explained that:
- The plane struck a white Ford van owned by a contract cleaning company and a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest about 1,300 feet beyond the runway.
- Debris from the aircraft, vehicles, and airport fencing was scattered across the crash site.
- Weather conditions at the time included an active thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 26 knots.
Investigation Progress
The NTSB is investigating various factors:
- Flight history, crew experience, and training.
- Radar data and aircraft performance.
- Plane systems and engines.
- The role of the runway’s engineered materials arresting system (EMAS).
Homendy emphasized the importance of making safety recommendations to prevent future tragedies: "Our recommendations must be implemented, or we’ll be here again."
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