Federal crash investigators are delving into the circumstances surrounding the fatal Amazon cargo plane accident in Miami, with a spotlight on the aircraft's approach speed, weather conditions at the time, and the potential absence of critical runway safety technology that might have mitigated the disaster.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair, Jennifer Homendy, stated on Monday that these elements are central to the agency's multi-faceted review. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in five fatalities on the ground and left five others injured.

Homendy detailed that the Boeing 767 freighter, operated by 21Air on behalf of Amazon, overran the paved runway surface by roughly 1,300 feet. The aircraft careened into a Ford Econoline van carrying seven cleaning crew members within the airport perimeter, before also striking a Toyota SUV on a public road adjacent to the facility.

Walking the debris path, Homendy observed a trail of tire marks across the grassy area beyond the runway, punctuated by strewn navigational aids, airbag components, and fencing fragments. "One word describes it: devastation. It's a complete and utter wreck, horrifying to witness," she said.

A 32-member investigative team has been deployed to examine a broad spectrum of factors, including the aircraft's mechanical systems, the pilots' experience and training records, and the role of air traffic control in the sequence of events. The group will cross-reference publicly available flight data with information retrieved from the flight recorders, and meteorology specialists are on hand to assess how thunderstorms and wind conditions may have contributed.

According to government and industry officials monitoring the inquiry, data suggests the freighter may have been traveling too fast as it lined up for landing at Miami International Airport. With insufficient runway remaining to decelerate effectively, investigators are likely to focus on why the two pilots did not abort the landing and execute a standard go-around procedure.

When pressed on the go-around question, Homendy responded simply, "We need to interview the crew." She described the crash site as "devastating" in her public remarks.

Amazon has said it is working closely with local authorities and will fully cooperate with all investigations. 21Air expressed profound sorrow over the accident, extending condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

Homendy confirmed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered and will be transported to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for analysis. The agency is scheduled to hold another press conference on Tuesday to provide further updates.

Notably, the runway involved, Miami's Runway 30, lacks an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), a safety feature installed at runway ends designed to crush and absorb energy to slow an overrunning aircraft. Homendy indicated that the absence of this system will be part of the investigation's scope.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport management have noted that safety buffer zones around the runway previously led to a determination that a system was not necessary. Whether its installation would have prevented this tragedy remains uncertain, though the FAA states the technology can safely stop aircraft traveling up to 80 miles per hour.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft was moving at 112 knots, roughly 129 miles per hour, when it left the usable runway area. A Miami airport spokesperson said the facility undergoes annual FAA safety inspections and has consistently met federal requirements, adding that all recommendations from the FAA and NTSB investigations will be seriously evaluated.