Miami International (MIA) has reopened two of its four runways, while work has started on the investigation into what caused the deadly Amazon Air freighter accident.
Five people died on Sunday afternoon when an Amazon Air Boeing 767-300 freighter operated by Miami-based cargo airline 21 Air overran one of the airport’s runways at around 14:00hrs local and hit several vehicles.
The airport stopped all flights following the incident but has since opened two of its runways.
“Two of MIA’s four runways remain closed,” the airport said in its latest update. “Cancellations continue due to aircraft and flight crews not having arrived.”
The flight (7598) originated from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now underway and details of the incident continue to emerge.
The NTSB has confirmed it has recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
During a press conference, NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said it was too early to draw conclusions and added that the investigation was still in the fact-finding stage.
Homendy said that the aircraft struck navigational aids and equipment before hitting a cleaning company van with seven people onboard.
The aircraft then went through a perimeter fence and hit a Toyota as it travelled across a road before hitting another fence and coming to a stop.
The aircraft travelled around 1,300 ft beyond the runway. Photographs show the jet resting with its nose on the ground. Its right wing and engine appear damaged by fire.
In total, 32 people are involved in the investigation, which will focus on flight history, crew experience, radar data, aircraft performance, aircraft systems and engines, as well as weather conditions at the time of the accident.
There will also be an examination into whether the runway should have had systems to slow and stop aircraft when they overrun.
In a statement following the incident, Amazon said it was working closely with local authorities and will cooperate fully with any investigation.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss,” Amazon said.
21 Air said it was devastated by the incident and expressed its condolences.
“Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available,” chief executive Keith Winters said.
“We are cooperating fully with the NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation.”
According to Air Cargo News sister title, FlightGlobal, storms and rain were present in the Miami area at that time.
A meteorologist with CBS News Miami says that several minutes before the incident, a storm east of the airport had caused gusty winds at the airport.
Weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals that roughly 30min prior to the incident, winds had been light at the airport, blowing 8kt (14km/h) from the west.
The wind then shifted from the south and picked up to 17kt, gusting to 26kt, with thunder, at 13:53 – moments before the 767 landed. The data shows that the gusty conditions were short-lived and coincided with the landing.
Fire and rescue crews arrived at the aircraft within 30s of receiving notice of the incident, an official said.
“Upon arrival, they found the aircraft outside the airport’s operational area, engulfed in flames and producing a large amount of smoke,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. “The firefighters tackled a complex fire in the engine compartment and used foam from specialised airport fire units to extinguish it.”
One person was trapped under one of the involved vehicles and had to be extricated by specialised technical rescue personnel, the department added.
Leave a Reply