Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport, killing five
An Amazon-operated Boeing 767 cargo plane overran the runway at Miami International Airport, crashing into vehicles and resulting in five deaths.
Miami International Airport Crash
An Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring five others. The plane, a 32-year-old Boeing 767, was operated by 21 Air, a cargo carrier based in North Carolina. According to Miami-Dade County officials, the aircraft overran the runway after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and plowed across a road used by warehouse workers and other businesses that surround the airport, striking several vehicles and bursting into flames.Emergency Response and Investigation
The crash prompted a massive emergency response, with over 200 emergency personnel responding to the scene. Firefighters used foam from specialized airport firefighting units to extinguish the fire, and crews were still dealing with a fuel leak on the plane hours later. Miami-Dade Rescue Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said the crash created multiple rescue challenges, with the pilot and copilot trapped inside the cockpit, and some people trapped in vehicles struck during the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, with Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy leading the team. Amazon has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.Aircraft and Flight Details
The Boeing 767 was originally built to carry passengers and flew for several airlines for more than two decades before being converted to a cargo plane in 2015. The flight was operated by 21 Air, and the plane was staffed by a pilot and copilot. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo noted that a 767 cargo aircraft would typically be staffed only by a pilot and copilot on domestic flights. Arroyo raised questions regarding the aircraft's touchdown point, emphasizing that landings are typically expected within the first 3,000 feet of the runway. "Did the aircraft land within the required touchdown zone? If it did, what happened?" Arroyo asked.Impact on Airport Operations
The crash caused significant disruption at Miami International Airport, with flights halted for much of the afternoon. Over 160 flights were canceled, and nearly 325 were delayed by late Sunday, according to FlightAware. Officials from Orlando International Airport, more than 200 miles north of Miami, said some flights were diverted there.Reaction and Condolences
Amazon expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy. "We're heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today's incident at Miami International Airport," the company said. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss." Kelly Nantel, an Amazon spokesperson, added that the company is "working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened" and will "cooperate fully with any investigation."Aviation Safety Concerns
The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly with regards to the lack of Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) at Miami International Airport. EMAS are designed to safely stop planes that overshoot runways, and the FAA credits them with helping save at least 497 lives aboard planes that overran runways. Mary Schiavo, a pilot and former Inspector General of the US Department of Transportation, observed that online footage shows the aircraft floating above the runway without making initial main-gear contact. "It didn’t touch down right away, and so it lost a lot of critical real estate by just continuing to float over the runway. It was literally still flying," Schiavo said.| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths | At least 5 |
| Number of injuries | 5 |
| Aircraft type | Boeing 767 |
| Aircraft age | 32 years |
| Flight operator | 21 Air |
| Number of flights canceled | Over 160 |
| Number of flights delayed | Nearly 325 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the crash?
An Amazon cargo plane overran the runway at Miami International Airport, striking several vehicles and bursting into flames, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuring five others.
What is the status of the investigation?
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, with Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy leading the team.
How many flights were affected by the crash?
Over 160 flights were canceled, and nearly 325 were delayed by late Sunday, according to FlightAware.
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