Investigators have revealed that a landing feature was “inoperative” on a passenger plane that slid off a runway in Florida, US on Friday night.

The Boeing 737, operated by Miami Air International, ended up in a river after landing during a thunderstorm.

The aircraft had been in maintenance, and the logs noted that the left-hand thrust reverser was inoperative.

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.

Officials say 21 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and at least four pets kept in the hold died.

The 136 passengers and seven crew members on board evacuated the Boeing 737-800 via its wings.