Amazon Air 767 Crash

The Amazon Air Boeing 767 freighter, operated by 21 Air, crashed after overrunning Runway 30 at Miami International Airport on Sunday, 6 September, resulting in the deaths of at least five people. The aircraft, registered as N1997A, was flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Miami as Flight 7598.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft landed on Runway 30 at around 1:53 pm local time but failed to stop before reaching the end of the runway. The 767 continued beyond the airport boundary, crossing a road and striking several vehicles before finally coming to rest near a parking area, where a significant fire broke out.

Accident Details

The accident is now being investigated by the NTSB, with a team dispatched to Miami to examine the evidence. The aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, as well as ADS-B tracking information and air traffic control recordings, will be analyzed to determine the cause of the crash.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions at the time of the accident were unsettled, with thunderstorms in the vicinity and strong, gusting winds. The METAR report at the time of the accident indicated winds from 190 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 26 knots, which could have contributed to the difficulty in landing.

Aircraft Specifications

The Boeing 767-33A(ER) freighter, registered as N1997A, was powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 engines and had been converted from passenger to cargo configuration in 2015. The aircraft was 32 years old and had been operating for 21 Air on behalf of Amazon.

Investigation

The investigation will examine various factors, including the aircraft's touchdown point and speed, the wind experienced during the final approach and landing, and whether the aircraft's spoilers, brakes, and thrust reversers operated correctly. The condition of Runway 30 and the available braking action will also be examined.

Casualties and Damage

At least five people were killed in the accident, and five others were injured, with three initially reported to be in critical condition. The aircraft crossed a road beyond the airport boundary and collided with several vehicles, resulting in significant damage and disruption to airport operations.

Response and Aftermath Miami-Dade Fire Rescue mounted a huge response, involving more than 60 units and around 200 personnel, to tackle the aircraft fire and rescue those trapped. The airport was temporarily closed following the crash, causing widespread disruption, cancellations, and diversions. Operations subsequently began resuming later on Sunday.

The NTSB investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. The dramatic footage of the accident should be treated as evidence of what happened, rather than proof of why it happened.