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Delta Jet Overturns on Landing at Toronto Pearson, Injuring 18
A Delta Air Lines regional jet overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, leaving 18 passengers injured, including a child in critical condition. The incident occurred amid strong winds and snowy conditions following a winter storm.
Crash Details
The CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members on Flight DL4819 from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The plane flipped onto its roof after touching down at 2:13 p.m. local time.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Delta later confirmed that some had been released.
Passenger John Nelson, who was on board, described the moment of impact. “We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down,” he told CNN. “Some people needed help getting down, while others managed on their own.”
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Weather Conditions Under Scrutiny
Toronto Pearson Airport had been dealing with frigid temperatures and high winds in the aftermath of a major snowstorm that dropped more than 22 cm of snow. Reports from FlightRadar24 suggested the aircraft faced gusting crosswinds and blowing snow at the time of the crash.
However, Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken stated that the runway was dry and crosswind conditions were not a factor. Some aviation experts have questioned this claim, pointing to video footage showing adverse weather during the landing.
U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox noted that the aircraft faced an average crosswind of 19 knots (22 mph), requiring pilots to make constant adjustments. Investigators will now determine whether the crosswind contributed to the crash and why the aircraft’s right wing detached upon impact.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed investigators to the scene, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. A preliminary report on the crash is expected within 30 days, as per global aviation safety standards.
Michael J. McCormick, an associate professor of air traffic management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, described the accident as unusual, given the aircraft’s upside-down position. However, he credited modern engineering and safety regulations for preventing fatalities.
Impact on Toronto Pearson Operations
Toronto Pearson President Deborah Flint confirmed that flights had resumed, but operational delays would continue as two runways remained closed for the investigation.
“We are very grateful that there is no loss of life and relatively minor injuries,” Flint said. She also commended the swift response of first responders.
The incident adds to a series of recent aviation accidents in North America, including a deadly military helicopter collision in Washington, D.C., and fatal plane crashes in Philadelphia and Alaska.
The cause of the Delta jet’s crash remains under investigation, with authorities analyzing weather conditions, aircraft performance, and pilot response in the moments leading up to the accident.
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