IAI-Converted Boeing 767 Cargo Plane Overruns Miami Runway Leaving 5 Dead
An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300 cargo plane, previously converted by Israel Aerospace Industries, overran a runway in Miami, killing 5 people and injuring 5 others. The FAA has launched an investigation.
The cargo aircraft that overran the runway at Miami International Airport, collided with several vehicles, and suffered a severe fire on its right wing, had previously undergone a comprehensive conversion at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300, is the same model used to construct "Wing of Zion," the Israeli Prime Minister's official plane, though it is slightly older at 32 years of age compared to the 26-year-old state aircraft.
The plane was operating a cargo flight for 21 Air on behalf of Amazon Prime Air, which Amazon uses to transport freight globally. It was originally manufactured by Boeing in 1994 for the Belgian carrier Sobelair.
The Israeli Conversion Process
After serving various airlines, the aircraft landed at Ben Gurion Airport on November 11, 2015, and was transferred to IAI's Aviation Group facilities. There, it underwent a complete passenger-to-freighter conversion: the passenger seats were removed, the floor was reinforced to support heavy cargo, and IAI engineers installed a main deck cargo door.
IAI is a global leader in the aircraft conversion market, which utilizes aging passenger planes that have become inefficient for passenger service due to noise regulations and fuel consumption, giving them a second life as cargo haulers. Purchasing a used aircraft and converting it costs less than half the price of a brand-new cargo plane.
At the time, IAI secured a major contract from Amazon to convert dozens of Boeing 767s, which helped establish Jeff Bezos's private airline, Prime Air, to lower shipping costs. Last year, the aircraft was transferred to the service of cargo operator 21 Air, which operated yesterday's flight for Amazon.
Runway Overrun in Miami
The aircraft reportedly landed on Runway 30 in Miami but failed to stop, overrunning the runway, striking several vehicles, and catching fire on its right wing. According to US reports, 5 people were killed and 5 others were injured in the accident, including both pilots.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Such accidents are typically caused by pilot error or mechanical failure. A wet or slippery runway may have also hindered braking. Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft landed at an unusually high speed of approximately 320 km/h.
