A Delta Air Lines jet crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon, flipping upside down on the runway. The aircraft’s tail and one wing were torn off, leaving a dramatic scene that shocked onlookers. Despite the severity of the accident, all 80 people onboard managed to escape, though 18 passengers sustained injuries, some of them critical but not life-threatening.
What Happened?
The Delta flight, a Bombardier CRJ900 operated by Endeavor Air, was arriving from Minneapolis when it skidded upon landing. Passengers recalled a seemingly normal descent until the plane hit the tarmac hard, tipping onto its right side before overturning completely.
Pete Koukov, a professional skier from Colorado, was among the passengers. “The second the wheels hit the ground, everything changed,” he said. “The next thing I know, we’re sideways.” Koukov, who sat on the opposite side of the plane, saw flames as the aircraft made impact.
A video circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment when the plane landed roughly on a snow-covered runway before flipping onto its back, engulfed in smoke. Authorities are analyzing the footage as part of their investigation.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Toronto Pearson International Airport was dealing with challenging weather at the time of the crash. Strong westerly winds gusting up to 38 miles per hour and drifting snow created hazardous conditions. Recent snowstorms had already affected visibility and runway conditions, which may have contributed to the accident.
According to Flightradar24, a global flight tracking service, advisories for the airport indicated strong crosswinds and blowing snow at the time of landing. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, alongside American investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Passengers and Crew
The aircraft was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. Among the travelers, 22 were Canadian nationals. While some injured passengers were transported to local hospitals, the majority were taken to the Sheraton Gateway Hotel near the airport for assistance and arrangements.
Operations at the airport were temporarily halted but resumed by 5 p.m. local time. However, two of the five runways remained closed as authorities worked to clear debris and assess safety conditions.
About the Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ900
The Bombardier CRJ900 is a widely used regional jet known for its reliability. The crashed aircraft was approximately 16 years old—well within the expected operational lifespan for commercial jets, which can exceed 30 years with proper maintenance.
Currently, over 380 CRJ900s are in operation worldwide. Aviation experts have noted that the model has a strong safety record, making this crash an anomaly that demands thorough investigation.
A Growing Concern in Air Travel
This incident is the latest in a series of alarming aviation accidents. In December, a crash in South Korea claimed 179 lives, while a recent midair collision near Washington resulted in 67 fatalities. The Toronto plane crash, though non-fatal, underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, especially during extreme weather conditions.
How the aircraft flipped upside down after landing
As authorities continue their probe into the Toronto crash, travelers and aviation experts alike are awaiting answers on what exactly went wrong. For now, the resilience of the passengers and swift emergency response have prevented what could have been a far worse tragedy.
Key Takeaways:
- A Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ900 flipped over upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
- All 80 people onboard survived, but 18 were injured, some critically.
- Harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and drifting snow, may have played a role.
- Investigations are underway by Canadian and U.S. aviation authorities.
- The CRJ900 aircraft has a strong safety record, making the crash a rare occurrence.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.
