A Delta Air Lines jet overturned on its roof while landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport during a snowstorm, miraculously causing no fatalities. The incident involving a Delta flight from Minneapolis has raised concerns about aviation safety.
Accident Details
A Delta Air Lines flight en route from Minneapolis to Toronto faced a dramatic turn of events as it overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. Despite the severity of the incident, all 80 individuals onboard survived. During landing, the area was experiencing a snowstorm, with winds gusting to 40 mph (65 kph). This extreme weather condition added complexity to the landing process and is believed to have influenced the outcome.
Thanks, Pete. Your incompetence and DEI hiring practices have airlines falling out of the sky every week. Delta Air Lines flight upside-down after crash leaves multiple injured at Toronto Pearson International Airport. NYP. pic.twitter.com/TP7iBfNuGO
— Jon Jerret (@Spookey2th) February 17, 2025
The aircraft carrying 76 passengers and four crew members overturned, resulting in 18 people being taken to the hospital. Among the injured was a child critically wounded, who was transported to Toronto’s SickKids hospital. The reversal of the CRJ-900, an aircraft noted for its ability to handle inclement weather conditions, prompted an investigation. Communications between the control tower and the pilot were regular, and the cause of the crash remains under scrutiny.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Firefighters rapidly responded to the scene, ensuring a swift evacuation of the passengers. Video footage reveals the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR overturned on its roof with the fuselage largely intact. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is set to investigate, focusing on data from the flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder. One peculiar aspect is the absence of the aircraft’s right wing, potentially contributing to the cause of the incident.
Delta plane crashes, flips over in Toronto, injuring 18.
Pearson Fire Chief says there was 'no crosswind conditions.' Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigating. @globalnews pic.twitter.com/QJMVtZme9E— Caryn Lieberman (@caryn_lieberman) February 18, 2025
The Delta flight had been cleared to land at 2:10 p.m., with a cautionary note regarding a potential airflow “bump” during approach. The current investigation could redefine existing aviation safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures, especially considering this is North America’s fourth major aviation mishap in three weeks.
Historical Context and Response
The last similar incident at Pearson Airport occurred in 2005 involving an Air France flight, with everyone surviving. Emergency response units highlighted their readiness and efficiency during such crises, highlighting the importance of preparedness in aviation settings. Such readiness is crucial for passenger safety, forestalling potential escalations in unpredictable circumstances.
For many, the video footage of the Delta flight’s overturning may serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in air travel, notwithstanding strides in technological advancements and safety regulations.
The timeline and causation of this accident remain a focus, with insights from the ongoing investigations expected to contribute to fortifying aviation safety and passenger security strategies moving forward.
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/delta-toronto-airport-minneapolis-4ab235ef49b2d3757c9bd5fd8c6606ce
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/delta-toronto-airport-minneapolis/2025/02/17/id/1199418