MIAMI Airport was missing a critical safety feature which could have saved five victims of the horror Amazon plane crash, officials say.
The cargo jet barrelled off the runway at 129mph on Sunday before smashing into several cars – in what one expert has called a “complete dog’s breakfast” of a landing.
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The Federal Aviation Administration today confirmed the airport lacked a vital safety system which prevents planes from sliding off runways.
The Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) uses crushable material at the end of a runway to help an aircraft stop in case of emergency.
Aviation expert Terry Tozer told Sam Homewood at The Sun’s new studio in the heart of the newsroom: “It looks as if this started going wrong a long way from the airport.”
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He added: “If you look at all the data, it [the jet] landed halfway down the runway. I mean, you just don’t do that.”
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EMAS systems have been installed at more than 120 airports nationwide and despite being one of the country’s busiest hubs, Miami International Airport does not have one.
While not compulsory, aviation authorities have warned for years that the safety system should be always be installed.
They say it has helped save at least 497 lives so far.
Commenting on the botched landing, Tozer said “extreme weather” meant the pilots should have tweaked their landing technique.
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He also said they could have attempted to restart their approach by going back around and coming towards the runway again.
But a “trend” of pressure to land planes no matter the cost may have impacted their decision-making, Tozer added.
He said: “Unfortunately, there is a trend in certain areas to be like ‘we must get the job done’.”
The expert said the pilots “could have just aborted” the landing instead of touching down halfway through the runway.
Tozer added: “On the face of it, it looks like a complete mess.
“Quite honestly, unless they were dealing with some other malfunction that had completely distracted them on the flight gate, this looks like a complete dog’s breakfast of an approach from a long way out.”
The Amazon plane overran the tarmac just before 2pm on Sunday after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It ploughed across a road used by warehouse workers and other businesses that surround the airport.
Concrete barriers designed to keep cars out of the secure area crumbled as the jet, weighing more than 100 tons, headed straight for the four-lane road.
Five people died, three were critically injured and two others were hospitalised with less severe injuries, officials said.
It is understood people were pinned inside their cars when the plane struck them, Miami-Dade County fire chief Ray Jadallah told reporters.
Harrowing emergency audio heard crews desperately trying to reach the burning Boeing 767 after it crashed to the tarmac.
In audio obtained by the Miami Herald, one crew member said: “The plane is on fire. The plane is on fire.
“Put your game faces on guys.”
Multiple fires broke out on and around the aircraft after the plane dragged vehicles across concrete before grinding to a halt.
Firefighters raced to get hoses close enough to the aircraft to douse the heavy flames and smoke pouring from the wreckage but as the plane’s engine was still running the operation was made near-impossible.
The live engine prevented firefighters from safely entering the aircraft to search for anyone trapped inside.
Firefighters were forced to flood the engine with water in an attempt to disable it.
Striking footage later shows emergency workers scaling a ladder to make their way into the cockpit of the charred Boeing 767-300.
It is understood, the pilot and co-pilot were trapped in the cockpit.
An investigation has been launched to understand why the cargo plane overran.
Kelly Nantel, Amazon spokesperson said: “We’re heartbroken to learn that five people lost their lives in today’s incident at Miami International Airport.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss.
“The airplane, which was operated by 21 Air, was attempting to land when this incident occurred.
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“We’re working closely with local authorities and officials to learn more and will cooperate fully with any investigation.”
The catastrophe left Miami’s airport operating with just two of its normal four runways on a busy Labor Day.