NTSB Recovers 2 Recorders After Amazon Cargo Jet Overran Miami Runway, Killing 5

Q: Could a standard airport safety technology have prevented the tragic Miami cargo crash, and why was it missing?

Possibly, but not certainly. The technology in question is EMAS, the Engineered Materials Arresting System, a bed of crushable concrete-like material placed beyond a runway to slow and stop aircraft that overrun. Aviation experts cited in the reporting said an EMAS bed might have kept the Boeing 767 from leaving airport property and reaching the roadway and vehicles beyond the fence. That said, investigators have not determined whether EMAS would have prevented this specific crash. Much depends on the aircraft’s speed at the runway end, its touchdown point, braking performance and runway conditions. FAA guidance says a standard EMAS installation can stop most overrunning aircraft traveling about 70 knots, but reports suggest the Miami jet may have still been moving very fast after a long landing. The reason it was not installed is that Miami International Airport was not required to have it. FAA rules generally call for either a 1,000-foot runway safety area beyond the runway end or, where that is not feasible, an EMAS installation as an alternative. Former FAA airport safety chief Mike O’Donnell said Miami appears to meet the federal standard with its existing 1,000-foot safety buffer, so the airport remained in compliance without arrestor beds. The crash is therefore likely to intensify debate over whether meeting the minimum standard is enough at busy airports surrounded by roads, warehouses and traffic, even when the airport technically satisfies FAA requirements.

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 7

Two recorders from the Amazon-operated cargo jet are headed to NTSB headquarters after investigators said the plane overran Miami International Airport's runway by about 1,300 feet on Sunday.
Five people were killed and at least five injured when the aircraft struck a cleaning company's van carrying seven people, broke through a perimeter fence and hit a Toyota Corolla Cross outside the airport.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said investigators will remain on site for at least a week, are not yet determining probable cause, and expect to release more information on Tuesday.
The agency is also examining the operating relationship between Amazon and contractor 21 Air, which flew the San Juan-to-Miami cargo trip — the aircraft's third flight that day.
Two of Miami's four runways remain closed, extending disruption after more than 160 flights were canceled and nearly 325 delayed during the holiday travel weekend at the busiest U.S. airport for international freight.