An Amazon cargo aircraft overran the runway during landing in the United States, killing five people and injuring five others. Authorities said an investigation was under way.

The aircraft was operating a freight route and is understood to have gone past the end of the runway after touchdown. The airframe was severely damaged.

A recurring category

Runway excursions on landing are a relatively common category in aviation accident statistics. The risk rises when touchdown occurs later than planned or when a wet surface lengthens the stopping distance.

On freighters, landing weight and centre of gravity vary with how cargo is loaded, so investigations routinely examine the loading plan alongside the actual placement of freight.

The investigation

Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders for analysis. Weather conditions, air traffic communications and the runway surface are also under examination.

A preliminary report is typically released about a month after an accident, with the final report much later. Investigating authorities consistently caution against speculation before causes are established.

The carrier said it had temporarily adjusted operations on the route and begun support procedures for the families of those killed.