Investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from an Amazon cargo aircraft that crashed at Miami International Airport, as recovery teams continue efforts to recover the victims, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.
Five people died and another five sustained serious injuries after the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, ran beyond the runway shortly before 14:00 local time (19:00 BST) on Sunday.
During the crash, the aircraft struck two vehicles within the airport perimeter: a white van carrying seven people and a Toyota carrying three passengers.
NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said investigators were still gathering evidence and that it was too early to determine what caused the accident.
At a press conference at Miami International Airport on Monday, Homendy said the aircraft, which had two crew members aboard, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day.
After overrunning the runway, the plane hit navigational aids and other airport equipment before crashing into a white Ford van belonging to a contract cleaning company.
The aircraft then broke through a perimeter fence and struck a Toyota Corolla before coming to a halt around 1,300ft (394m) beyond the runway.
Homendy described the site as “devastating”, with wreckage from the aircraft, damaged vehicles and airport fencing spread across the area.
“It’s hard to see, and I’m sure very difficult for the first responders as well,” she said.
She said the immediate focus was on recovering the bodies of the victims.
“The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait,” she added. The recovered flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder will be sent to NTSB headquarters for examination.
Homendy said investigators were not yet in a position to make any substantive assessment of the cause as evidence collection was still under way.
The investigation will review the aircraft’s flight history, the crew’s experience and training, radar information and the plane’s performance. Specialist teams will also examine the aircraft’s systems and engines, while a meteorologist will study weather conditions at the time of the landing.
Investigators will additionally consider whether the runway should have been fitted with an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), designed to slow and stop aircraft that run beyond a runway. Homendy said this would be a “key” element of the investigation.
Earlier analysis by BBC Verify found that a thunderstorm was active near the airport shortly before the crash, with wind gusts reaching 26 knots. The NTSB has also asked members of the public to submit photographs or videos that may assist the investigation.
Homendy said the agency would issue safety recommendations once its investigation was complete. “That’s why we’re here – to prevent the next tragedy,” she said. “Our recommendations must be implemented, or we’ll be here again.”
Two of Miami International Airport’s four runways remained closed after the crash. Travellers have been warned of further disruption after Sunday’s cancellations affected the arrival of aircraft and flight crews.
The accident occurred over the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest periods for air travel in the United States. Amazon said it was “heartbroken” by the deaths and was working closely with the authorities. 21 Air, which operated the aircraft, also expressed its condolences and said it was co-operating with investigators.
