A Delta Airlines flight crashed and overturned while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, February 17, injuring several passengers.
Independent confirmed that all 80 people onboard the aircraft, 76 passengers and four crew members, were evacuated, and at least 18 individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment.
The crash occurred on a snow-covered runway during challenging weather conditions, prompting the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to investigate its cause.
The crash
Delta Flight 4819, a Bombardier CRJ-900, was en route from Minneapolis to Toronto when it crashed while landing at approximately 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. The plane flipped upside down on the runway, with smoke seen billowing from the wreckage.
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Audio recordings between air traffic control and a nearby Medevac flight revealed the severity of the incident. ‘The aircraft is upside down and burning,’ the Medevac pilot reported.
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, authorities confirmed there were no fatalities.
Injuries and evacuation
Of the 80 people onboard, 18 were transported to hospitals, including three individuals with critical injuries: a man in his 60s, a woman in her 40s, and a child. The child, later admitted to SickKids hospital, was reported to be in good condition.
Officials praised the flight attendants for their swift actions in evacuating passengers. ‘Everyone thinks [flight attendants] are just there to serve drinks and snacks,’ said commercial airline pilot Joshua Schirard. ‘But it was their efforts to get those people out and act as first responders that ensured everyone survived.’
Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, authorities confirmed there were no fatalities, and passengers can be seen exiting the aircraft in a video that has already garnered 4.8 million views online.
What could have gone wrong?
While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, experts suggest that weather conditions, including snow and strong winds, likely played a significant role. The Toronto area had recently experienced a snowstorm that brought over eight inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching 38 mph on Monday.
Bombardier CRJ-900 jets are built to handle crosswinds up to 35 knots, but experts note that even winds within those limits can pose challenges, especially when paired with icy conditions.
‘If they hit a solid patch of compressed snow or ice on that runway, coupled with a strong crosswind, it could throw them off course,’ said Schirard.
Mary Schiavo, a former U.S. Department of Transportation inspector general, added, ‘There is a decision point at which you have to land no matter what…and if that’s where they were when they got these bad crosswinds, they had no choice.’
Official statements
Following the crash, the FAA issued a ground stop, and Canadian transportation officials began working with Delta and U.S. investigators.
‘The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto Pearson,’ said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. ‘Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted.’
Local and federal leaders expressed relief over the lack of fatalities. ‘I’m relieved to learn that all passengers and crew are accounted for,’ Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stated, praising first responders and airport staff for their quick actions.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also commended emergency teams, adding that provincial officials remain in contact with local authorities to provide any necessary support.
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