Flight recorders recovered from 'devastating' Amazon cargo plane crash

Investigators have recovered the flight recorders from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, but the priority remains the recovery of victims, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has remarked.

Key points

• It then travelled through a perimeter fence and collided with a Toyota Corolla, coming to rest regarding 1, 300ft (394m) beyond the runway.
• Earlier analysis by BBC Verify discovered there was an active thunderstorm near the airport shortly before the crash, with winds gusting up to 26 knots.
• 21 Air, the firm operating the aircraft, expressed its condolences and stated it was co-operating with the investigation.
• The plane hit two vehicles, including a white van carrying seven individuals within the airport perimeter, and a Toyota with three passengers.
• NTSB chairwoman Jennifer Homendy remarked it was too early to draw conclusions concerning what caused the crash, with investigators still in the "fact finding stage".

Five individuals were killed and five others seriously injured when the Boeing 767-300, operated by 21 Air, overshot the runway shortly before 14: 00 local time (19: 00 BST) on Sunday.

For context, the plane hit two vehicles, including a white van carrying seven individuals within the airport perimeter, and a Toyota with three passengers.

Speaking at a press conference at Miami International Airport on Monday, Homendy remarked the aircraft had two crew members on board and was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on its third flight of the day.

In practice, the plane struck navigational aids and equipment after overrunning the runway, before hitting a white Ford van owned by a contract cleaning firm.

Homendy described the crash scene as "devastating", with debris from the aircraft, vehicles and airport fencing scattered throughout the area.

"It's hard to see, and I'm sure very difficult for the first responders as well, " she remarked.

She remarked recovering victims' bodies was the current priority, adding: "The investigation and access to the aircraft, as well as evidence, can wait."

Meanwhile, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being sent to NTSB headquarters for evaluation.

Homendy remarked investigators could not yet say anything substantive concerning the cause of the crash as they were still collecting evidence at the scene.

Investigators will examine the flight history, crew experience and training, radar data, and aircraft performance. While a meteorologist will assess the weather conditions at the time of landing, separate teams will look at the plane's systems and engines.

For context, the NTSB will additionally examine whether the runway should have had an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS). It is designed to slow and stop aircraft that overrun a runway. Homendy remarked this would be a "key" part of the investigation.

Notably, the NTSB has appealed for members of the public to share photographs or videos that could aid the investigation.

Homendy remarked the agency would produce safety recommendations at the end of its investigation. "That's why we're here – to prevent the next tragedy, " she remarked. "Our recommendations must be implemented, or we'll be here again."

Two of the four runways at the airport remained closed after the crash. Passengers have been cautioned to expect further disruption after Sunday's cancellations affected the arrival of aircraft and flight crews.

In practice, the crash happened during the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the US.

Amazon remarked it was "heartbroken" by the loss of life and that it was working closely with authorities.

In short, flight recorders recovered from ' devastating' Amazon cargo plane crash is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.