A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board. The incident occurred amid gusty winds and blowing snow, following a winter storm that had disrupted flights over the weekend.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
Flight DL4819, operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, was arriving from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport when it crashed at 2:13 p.m. local time. The plane, a 16-year-old Bombardier CRJ900, came to rest near the intersection of runway 23 and runway 15, with video footage showing at least one of its wings detached from the fuselage.
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Passenger John Nelson, who was on board, described the moment of impact, saying the aircraft hit the ground, veered sideways, and then flipped over. He managed to unbuckle himself and escape, while others required assistance to get down from their inverted positions.
Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken confirmed that emergency teams arrived within minutes. Airport President Deborah Flint credited the rapid response for preventing fatalities, emphasizing that despite the severity of the crash, injuries remained relatively minor.
Injuries, Evacuations, Medical Response
Eighteen people sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, including a child who was taken to Toronto’s SickKids hospital. A man in his sixties and a woman in her forties were airlifted to trauma centers, while the remaining injured passengers were treated for minor to moderate injuries at local hospitals. Some were discharged later in the day.
Weather Conditions and Crosswind Debate
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with conflicting statements regarding weather conditions at the time. The Meteorological Service of Canada reported blowing snow and wind gusts between 51 and 65 kilometers per hour.
However, Chief Aitken stated that the runway was dry and denied significant crosswind conditions at the time of landing. Some pilots have disputed this, with aviation experts pointing out that gusty crosswinds require constant adjustments during landing. Former pilot and safety analyst John Cox estimated an average crosswind of 19 knots, which could have contributed to the accident. Investigators will analyze whether weather conditions played a role.
Regulatory Response
Delta Airlines issued a statement expressing concern for those affected, with CEO Ed Bastian saying the entire Delta family was with the passengers and crew. The airline canceled its remaining flights to Toronto for the day and issued a travel waiver for affected travelers.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation, supported by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed he is in communication with his Canadian counterpart to offer assistance.
Comparisons to Past Incidents
Aircraft flipping over on landing is rare but not unprecedented. In 2009, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter flipped at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, killing both pilots. In 1999, a China Airlines flight overturned in Hong Kong, resulting in three passenger deaths. A similar incident occurred in 1997 in Newark when a freighter flipped, though no fatalities were reported.
Experts believe modern aircraft engineering plays a key role in reducing fatalities in such accidents. Aviation safety specialist Michael McCormick noted that airplane seats are designed to withstand impacts up to 16 times the force of gravity, helping to keep passengers secure even in severe crashes.
Operational Disruptions and Passenger Impact
Flights at Toronto Pearson were temporarily halted for over two hours before limited operations resumed. Two runways remain closed as investigators examine the wreckage, causing ongoing delays.
Passengers at the airport described an atmosphere of confusion. Zach Nolan, a traveler whose Air Canada flight was delayed, said he looked out the window and saw the overturned aircraft. He described a tense environment, with many people exchanging uneasy glances as they awaited further updates.
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The Delta crash adds to a series of aviation accidents in North America in recent weeks. On January 29, an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Two days later, a medical transport jet crashed in Philadelphia, resulting in seven deaths. Earlier this month, a small plane crash in Alaska claimed ten lives.