A cargo plane operated by Amazon crashed into a bay near Miami, Florida on Saturday, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB provided an update on the investigation into the crash on Monday.
The Boeing 767, operated by Atlas Air, was en route from Miami to Houston when it crashed into Trinity Bay, about 50 kilometres southeast of Houston. The plane was carrying three people on board, including the pilot, co-pilot, and a jumpseat rider.
The NTSB confirmed that all three individuals on board were killed in the crash. The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their families.
The NTSB also stated that the plane was carrying Amazon Prime Air packages and was on a scheduled flight from Miami to Houston. The flight took off from Miami International Airport at 11:33 a.m. local time and was scheduled to arrive in Houston at 1:45 p.m. local time.
According to the NTSB, the plane was in a steep descent and was travelling at a high speed when it crashed into the bay. Witnesses reported seeing the plane nose-dive into the water, followed by a loud explosion.
The NTSB has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the wreckage and will be analyzing them to determine the cause of the crash. The agency also stated that they will be looking into the pilot’s training, experience, and medical history, as well as the maintenance records of the aircraft.
The NTSB is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the FBI, and local authorities to investigate the crash. The FAA has issued a temporary flight restriction in the area of the crash site to allow for the investigation to take place.
In a statement, Amazon expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash and stated that they are working with the NTSB and Atlas Air to support the investigation.
The NTSB will continue to provide updates on the investigation as more information becomes available.
