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Amazon Cargo Jet Overran Miami Runway While Carrying 32,000 Pounds of Contact Lenses

An Amazon freighter transporting contact lenses from Puerto Rico crashed at Miami International Airport after the pilots failed to deploy landing procedures, according to National Transportation Safety Board investigators. The Boeing 767-300 converted cargo aircraft touched down at 181 mph with its nose and right main landing gear, but pilots never engaged critical deceleration systems. Seven seconds after initial contact, brakes were applied, slowing the jet to 168 mph. The left gear touched down at 154 mph. Seconds later, throttles were increased to a thrust level consistent with a go-around maneuver. The aircraft ultimately ran off the runway at 75 mph, striking two vehicles and fences before stopping in a grassy area across a public road. Five people died and several others were injured. The cargo contained more than 32,000 pounds of contact lenses, reflecting Puerto Rico's significant role in lens manufacturing. Investigators will interview both pilots and 21 Air management.