On February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport during a snowstorm, resulting in injuries to 18 of the 80 individuals on board. The flight, originating from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, encountered challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and blowing snow, at the time of the incident.
Incident Details
The aircraft involved was a 16-year-old CRJ900, manufactured by Canada’s Bombardier and operated by Delta’s subsidiary, Endeavor Air. Designed to seat up to 90 passengers, the plane was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members during the flight.
Upon landing at approximately 2:13 p.m. local time, the jet overturned and came to rest near the intersection of runways 23 and 15. Notably, at least one wing was detached from the fuselage, as observed in post-accident footage.
Passenger John Nelson shared his experience, stating that there was no prior indication of issues before landing. He recounted, “We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down.” Nelson managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and assist others in evacuating the overturned aircraft.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, Toronto Pearson Airport was experiencing high winds and frigid temperatures. A recent snowstorm had deposited over 22 centimeters (8.6 inches) of snow, complicating landing conditions. Flight tracking data indicated gusting crosswinds and blowing snow during the plane’s approach.
However, Pearson Airport’s Fire Chief, Todd Aitken, later stated that the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions at the time of landing. This assertion has been met with skepticism from several pilots who reviewed videos of the incident.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency responders promptly arrived at the scene, and 18 passengers were transported to local hospitals. Among the injured, three individuals, including a child, sustained critical injuries. Deborah Flint, president of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, expressed relief that there were no fatalities and credited the swift response of first responders for the positive outcome.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Aviation safety expert and pilot John Cox noted that investigators would focus on determining why the right wing separated from the aircraft, as this could provide crucial insights into the incident.
Operational Impact
Following the accident, two runways at Toronto Pearson International Airport remained closed to facilitate the investigation, leading to operational delays and some flight cancellations. Passengers scheduled to travel through the airport in the subsequent days were advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
Final Words
This incident underscores the challenges that severe weather conditions can pose to aviation safety. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the factors contributing to the accident to enhance future flight safety protocols.
