The NTSB has more than 32 investigators on the ground at Miami International Airport (MIA), piecing together the terrible crash that saw an aircraft operated for Amazon Airovershoot the runway and plow into vehicles. 21 Air Flight 7598 was being flown by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon from Puerto Rico to Miami when, in the final moments of landing, the plane overran the runway and struck multiple vehicles, killing five people.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Hemendy has spoken and delivered a stark warning to operators that recommendations from this fatal incident must be implemented, and that even just one death is a tragedy.

32-Year-Old Amazon Air Boeing 767-300F Overshoots The Runway

Credit: Golden Shrimp | Shutterstock

On Sunday, September 6, the flight had arrived from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and touched down on Miami’s runway 30 at around 1:53 PM. As the aircraft overran the runway, it went through a fence and struck multiple vehicles. This killed five people, all occupants of vehicles, and five others were injured.

Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, and this stayed in place until 5:00 PM that evening. More than 160 flights were canceled, and another 325 were delayed. Many flights were diverted to Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the ground stop.

According to initial reports, the NTSB is yet to conduct interviews with flight crew and other survivors. NTSB’s Hemendy has made it clear that findings following this terrible incident will be expected to be implemented, reiterating that one death is a tragedy.

Airline Cleaning Company Contractors Killed

Credit: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

According to CBS12, one of the vehicles that was struck by the aircraft was that of Professional Ocean Service Corporation, who are a contract cleaning company that works with airlines. The Ford Econoline van was struck with seven people onboard. After hitting the Ford van, the plane then struck a perimeter fence and hit a Toyota Corolla Cross LE on Northwest 67th Avenue before the jet came to rest on a grassy area. All victims were limited to the two vehicles.

Having recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, both have been taken to the NTSB headquarters to be evaluated. The agency’s 32-person team will be expected to remain on scene for the next week, while they examine the flight crew, airline policies and procedures, and the contractual relationship between 21 Air and Amazon. Air traffic control, aircraft systems, weather, and FAA oversight are also expected to be investigated.

As part of the examination, investigators will be looking at engineered materials including the arresting system, or EMAS, which is at the end of the runway, and whether the EMAS should have helped prevent the crash. The information on the aircraft’s speed is currently not released, once confirmed with flight data.

Who Are 21 Air?

Credit: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

21 Air is a cargo airline that is based in Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) and Miami. Its headquarters is in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the carrier operates ACMI charters with both the Boeing 757 and 767. It was founded in 2014 as a virtual airline, and today is owned by Avia Acquisitions LLC. The airline has released the below message following the incident:

We are devastated by the accident involving one of our aircraft in Miami on 09/06.

Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our immediate priorities are supporting those affected, assisting the authorities, and ensuring that accurate information is communicated as it becomes available.

We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local authorities. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation. Additional verified information will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

Runway 30 remains closed at Miami following the fatal Sunday incident, alongside runway 26L, as investigations continue. The 32-year-old aircraft still sits some 1,299 feet (396 meters) from the end of the runway. The pilots are still to be interviewed.