Flight recorders have been recovered from the site of a cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air for Amazon, overshot the runway on Sunday, collided with a perimeter fence and a vehicle, and came to rest approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the crash scene as "devastating," with debris from the aircraft, vehicles, and airport fencing scattered across the area. The recovery of victims' bodies is the current priority, Homendy stated, adding that the investigation and access to the aircraft can wait. The recovered flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder are being sent to NTSB headquarters for analysis.
Investigators are still in the evidence collection phase and cannot yet provide substantive details about the crash's cause. The examination will include the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. Separate teams will analyze the plane's systems and engines, while a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions at the time of landing.
A key aspect of the investigation will be whether the runway should have been equipped with an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun runways. BBC Verify analysis indicated that an active thunderstorm with winds gusting up to 26 knots was near the airport shortly before the crash.
The NTSB has appealed to the public for any photographs or videos that could assist the investigation. Homendy emphasized that the agency aims to prevent future tragedies and that its safety recommendations must be implemented. "Our recommendations must be implemented, or we'll be here again," she said.
Two of the airport's four runways remain closed, and passengers have been warned of further travel disruptions following Sunday's flight cancellations. The crash occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a period of high travel volume in the U.S. Amazon expressed its condolences and is cooperating with authorities, while 21 Air also offered its sympathy and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
