NTSB Investigates Miami Airport Crash Involving Amazon Cargo Plane
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) provided an update on their investigation into the Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport. The crash occurred when the plane overshot the runway, struck two vehicles, and burst into flames. Five people lost their lives, and five others were injured. All those who died were in the two vehicles that the plane hit, according to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.
Details of the Crash
The plane involved was Amazon Air Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air LLC. This Boeing 767-33 Alpha had flown from Cincinnati to Miami, then to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and back to Miami. Upon landing, it overran runway 30, struck navigational devices, and hit a Ford Econoline van. The van belonged to the Professional Ocean Service Corporation, a contract cleaning service for airlines. Seven passengers were inside the van.
The plane then broke through a perimeter fence and hit a Toyota Corolla Cross LE on Northwest 67 Avenue. It traveled about 1,300 feet beyond the paved surface, hitting another fence near where Tesla robotaxis were stationed. All the victims were in the two vehicles. Cellphones captured initial rescue efforts with responders aiding a survivor from the Toyota.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Local officials, like Commissioner Natalie Milan Orbis, praised the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for their swift response—arriving within 30 seconds. The owner of the impacted cleaning company declined to comment. Investigators have recovered both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder from the aircraft. These devices are essential for understanding events leading to the crash.
Ongoing Investigation Focus
The NTSB is examining several aspects of the crash, including human performance, airplane systems, air traffic control, and meteorology. A key focus is whether an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), a safety feature, might have mitigated the accident’s severity. The investigation will also look at the contractual relationship between Amazon and 21 Air and the aircraft’s age and maintenance history.
The NTSB’s immediate goal is to collect evidence and assess the crash scene. Chairwoman Homendy emphasized stopping future incidents by acting on recommendations made post-investigation. More briefings are planned, and anyone with information or footage is encouraged to assist by submitting it to the NTSB.