![The Boeing 737 skidded into St John's River in Jacksonville [Photo: BBC]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/15528606455ccfa1191e059978f242.jpg)
Investigators have said that a landing feature was "inoperative" on a passenger plane that slid off a runway in the US state of Florida.
The Boeing 737, operated by Miami Air International, ended up in a river after landing during a thunderstorm.
Boeing 737, operated by Miami Air International, ended up in a river after landing during a thunderstorm [Photo: BBC]
Officials said 21 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries and they are now looking into the failure of the "thrust reverser", as well as a request by the pilot to change runways.
The flight, which had flown from Guantanamo Bay in Cuba to a military base in the city of Jacksonville, is said to have landed heavily in the storm before skidding into St John's River.
The 136 passengers and seven crew members on board evacuated the Boeing 737‑800 via its wings.
Landsberg adds that shortly before they landed, the pilots had asked to change to a runway which had equipment set up on it, and which therefore had less space available.
In a news conference Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Captain Michael Connor says it was a "miracle" that there had been no serious injuries or fatalities.
Related Story
[Source: BBC]
ADVERTISEMENT
