Five people were killed and five others injured when an Amazon cargo plane overshot a runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday afternoon, colliding with vehicles on a busy roadway. The Boeing 767-300, arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, veered off Runway 30 around 2 p.m. and struck multiple cars on Northwest 42nd Avenue.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that firefighters arrived at the scene within 30 seconds of an emergency call to find people trapped inside their vehicles and the plane on fire. The crash resulted in at least five fatalities, with three individuals in critical condition at a local trauma center and two others transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released.
Federal investigators are on site to determine the cause of the incident. A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that Miami International Airport's runways are not equipped with an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a safety feature designed to stop aircraft that overshoot runways.
The EMAS system, composed of crushable concrete, is designed to decelerate planes safely and has a reported perfect record in preventing fatalities in incidents where it has been deployed. The FAA has recommended its installation at airports, particularly those with busy airspace, like Miami. The system is intended for planes weighing over 12,500 pounds and functions by creating significant drag on the aircraft's wheels.
Data from flight tracking site FlightRadar24 indicated the cargo plane was traveling at 129 mph as it exited the usable runway amid thunderstorms and gusting winds. Aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford suggested that the pilot may have mistakenly decided to land with a tailwind, which can lead to excessive touchdown speeds and insufficient braking distance. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to examine the pilot's decision-making, potential failure to declare an emergency, and the performance of the aircraft's engines and reverse thrusters.
Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas noted that while planes can land in inclement weather, runway conditions and communication between air traffic control and pilots are critical. He stated that air traffic control should advise pilots of runway conditions, especially during storms.
Following the crash, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a ground stop at the airport, leading to significant delays and cancellations. Miami International Airport has since reopened two of its four runways, but flight disruptions continue, with approximately 15 flights canceled as of Monday morning.
Amazon expressed its condolences, stating it was "is heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives." The company said it is cooperating with authorities and the investigation. 21 Air, the operator of the cargo plane, also released a statement expressing devastation and confirming full cooperation with federal investigators. The NTSB is scheduled to hold a news conference regarding the crash on Monday.