Flight Recorders Recovered from Amazon Cargo Plane Crash at Miami Airport

Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, but the priority remains the recovery of victims, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Five people were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, overshot the runway shortly before 14:00 local time (19:00 BST) on Sunday. The plane hit two vehicles, including a white van carrying seven people within the airport perimeter, and a Toyota with three passengers. NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stated that it was too early to draw conclusions about the cause of the crash, with investigators still in the "fact finding stage." Speaking at a press conference at Miami International Airport on Monday, Homendy noted 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 struck navigational aids and equipment after overrunning the runway, before hitting a white Ford van owned by a contract cleaning company. It then traveled through a perimeter fence and collided with a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest about 1,300 feet (394 meters) beyond the runway. Homendy described the crash scene as "devastating," with debris from the aircraft, vehicles, and airport fencing scattered across the area. "It's hard to see, and I'm sure very difficult for the first responders as well," she said. She added that recovering victims' bodies was 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 could not yet provide substantive information about the cause of the crash as they were still collecting evidence at the scene. Investigators will examine the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. Separate teams will look at the plane's systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions at the time of landing. The NTSB will also examine whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), which is designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy stated that this would be a "key" part of the investigation. Earlier analysis by BBC Verify found there was an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots. The NTSB has appealed for members of the public to share photographs or videos that could aid the investigation. Homendy mentioned that the agency would make safety recommendations at the end of its investigation, saying, "That's why we're here - to prevent the next tragedy." She emphasized that the recommendations must be implemented to avoid future incidents. Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed following the crash. Passengers have been warned to expect further disruption 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 stated that it was working closely with authorities. 21 Air, the company operating the aircraft, expressed its condolences and stated it was cooperating with the investigation.