Delta Airlines flight crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, turning what was supposed to be a routine trip from Minneapolis into a terrifying experience for passengers. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air for Delta Connection, ended upside down on the icy runway.
Eight people were injured, with one person in critical but non-life-threatening condition and seven others suffering minor injuries. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, quickly surrounding the aircraft and spraying it with foam to prevent a possible fire.
BREAKING- Toronto had a Delta flight flipped upside down. I got these photos from a friend on the plane. He’s okay. Minnesota to Toronto. pic.twitter.com/DeSoYAlsVo
— Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) February 17, 2025
“We just landed. Our plane crashed – it’s upside down,” passenger John Nelson said in a shaky Facebook video just moments after stepping off the aircraft. “Most people are going to be okay.”
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Authorities are still investigating what exactly went wrong. However, Toronto experienced powerful winds on Monday, which could have played a role in the rough landing. Some aviation experts online have speculated that crosswinds may have flipped the aircraft.
Toronto Pearson Airport released a statement on social media: “Toronto Pearson is aware of an incident upon landing involving a Delta Airlines plane arriving from Minneapolis. Emergency teams are responding.”
Toronto Pearson is aware of an incident upon landing involving a Delta Airlines plane arriving from Minneapolis. Emergency teams are responding. All passengers and crew are accounted for.
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 17, 2025
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is now leading the investigation to determine if the crash was due to weather, pilot error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors.
Plane crashes sound scary, but air travel is still the safest way to travel. The chances of dying in a plane crash are 1 in 11 million. Compare that to car accidents, where the odds are 1 in 107.
Despite this, recent aviation incidents have raised concerns. Just days before this crash, an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air over the Potomac River, resulting in the loss of all 67 people on board. Investigators are examining potential communication failures and altitude discrepancies to determine what went wrong.
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board will investigate what happened. They will check the weather, pilot actions, and any mechanical failures. The Association of Flight Attendants also released a statement. “Reports say there are no fatalities. Please do not speculate on this incident as everyone works to gather information.”
Our union is responding to an incident in Toronto with Delta Air Lines Endeavor Flight 4819. AFA crew were working this flight. Reports are there are no fatalities. Please do not speculate on this incident, as everyone works to gather information and support those involved. https://t.co/olLqwW7MX1
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 17, 2025
Passengers will also be interviewed, and the plane will be checked for issues. If strong winds were the cause, Toronto Airport may need to update safety measures for landing in bad weather.
This was a very frightening situation, but luckily, everyone survived. Modern aviation safety is very advanced. Years ago, this might have had a worse outcome.
Featured image via Screengrab
