Amazon Prime Air's fatal Boeing 767 crash sees calls for crucial runway safety system
Calls for the implementation of increased runway safety measures have resurfaced after a Prime Air crash killed five people.
Last night (6 Sunday), an Amazon Prime cargo plane crashed into 'multiple' cars after appearing to overshoot the runway at Miami International Airport in Florida. Pictures circulating online shortly after the incident showed smoke billowing from the plane as first responders rushed to the scene.
It has since been confirmed that five people were killed in the incident, while a further five are reported to have been injured.
Now, viral footage has prompted renewed calls for increased safety measures during take-off and landing, including the implementation of the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at airports.
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What is the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS)?
An EMAS is a safety feature designed to stop aircraft from overrunning the runway and causing further injury or loss of life.
The system involves placing a bed of 'high-energy-absorbing materials' at the end of a runway, so that when a plane overruns the tarmac, it 'sinks' into crushable material and allows the aircraft to come to a stop without damaging the plane, passengers or anyone nearby.
Lightweight, crushable concrete blocks are typically used to create EMAS blocks and they are typically used at airports where there is not significant enough space for a sufficient runway safety area to be constructed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, EMAS are installed at 70 airports around the world and have prevented around 25 planes from overrunning.
While the cause of Sunday's incident at Miami Airport is yet to be determined, people are using the crash as further evidence that most, it not all, airports would benefit from having an EMAS in place.
"Time to start installing EMAS at more airports," wrote one user on X alongside a video of the Prime Air jet crashing. "100% it should be mandatory," added a second.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation underway
The NTSB has assembled a 'go team' and is now investigating what may have caused the crash, with a press conference led by chairwoman Jennifer Homendy expected to be held later today.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Amazon has confirmed to LADbible that they are co-operating in the investigation.
"We can confirm that an Amazon Air plane operated by 21 Air experienced an incident while attempting to land at Miami International Airport today.
"This is a fast-moving situation and we're still gathering details. We're working closely with local authorities and officials to understand exactly what happened," Spokesperson Kelly Nantel said.
"Right now, our absolute priority is the safety, well-being, and care of everyone involved. We're doing everything we can to support those affected."
Topics: US News
Brenna Cooper