On February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight crashed upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down and leaving 18 people injured. Despite the dramatic incident, all 80 passengers and crew members survived, thanks to the swift response of emergency teams. Here’s everything you need to know about the crash, its aftermath, and the ongoing investigation.
What Happened?
Delta Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, was arriving from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport when it crashed at Toronto Pearson Airport around 2:45 PM local time. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft flipped upside down upon landing, leaving its fuselage damaged and one wing shorn off.
Key Details
- Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ900, operated by Endeavor Air (a Delta subsidiary).
- Passengers and Crew: 76 passengers and 4 crew members were on board.
- Injuries: 18 people were injured, including a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s. None of the injuries were life-threatening.
How Did the Crash Unfold?
Weather Conditions
The crash occurred amid strong winds and drifting snow. Wind gusts reached up to 38 mph, creating challenging landing conditions. However, the runway was reportedly dry, and crosswinds were not a significant factor.
Passenger Accounts
Passengers described the terrifying moments when the plane flipped:
- Peter Koukov, a professional skier, said, “The second the wheels hit the ground, everything happened. We ended up completely upside-down”.
- John Nelson, another passenger, recalled, “We were hanging like bats. People were panicking, but flight attendants helped us evacuate quickly”.
Emergency Response
Firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene, dousing the plane with fire retardant and evacuating passengers. Three critically injured individuals were airlifted to nearby hospitals, while others were treated for minor injuries.
Impact on Toronto Pearson Airport
The crash temporarily shut down all five runways at Canada’s busiest airport, causing significant delays and forcing over 200 flights to divert to nearby airports like Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
- Runway Closures: Two runways remained closed for investigation, while three reopened later in the evening.
- Flight Cancellations: Delta cancelled all flights to and from Toronto Pearson for the rest of the day.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Key areas of focus include:
- Mechanical Failure: Whether the plane’s landing gear or other systems malfunctioned.
- Weather Factors: The role of wind gusts and snow in the crash.
- Pilot Communication: Analysis of air traffic control recordings to understand the final moments before the crash.
Key Takeaways
- All 80 passengers and crew survived the crash, with 18 sustaining injuries.
- The Bombardier CRJ900 flipped upside down upon landing, likely due to strong winds and mechanical issues.
- Toronto Pearson Airport experienced significant disruptions, with two runways closed for investigation.
This incident highlights the importance of aviation safety and the resilience of passengers and crew in emergencies. For updates, follow official statements from Delta Air Lines and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
References:
- CNN
- NBC News
- The Globe and Mail
- BBC
