On February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight experienced a severe accident upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operating as Flight 4819 from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, flipped upside down on the runway during its landing at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time.

What Really Happened?

The flight carried 80 individuals, comprising 76 passengers and four crew members. Remarkably, there were no fatalities. However, 15 passengers sustained injuries; three were critically injured, including a child who was airlifted to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. The other two critically injured adults were transported to local trauma centers.

Eyewitness accounts described the plane lying belly-up, with passengers evacuating amidst the challenging conditions.

How were the weather conditions?

Prior to the incident, Toronto had been experiencing adverse weather, including high winds and a significant snowstorm that deposited over 22 centimeters of snow at the airport. While conditions had begun to improve by the time of the accident, residual effects from the storm may have contributed to the challenging landing environment.

Operational Impact And Response

Following the crash, Toronto Pearson International Airport suspended all flight operations for approximately 90 minutes. This suspension led to numerous flight delays and diversions to other airports, including Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport, which prepared to accommodate several redirected flights.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an investigation into the accident, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident involving their Endeavor Air-operated CRJ-900 aircraft and emphasized their commitment to supporting affected passengers and crew

The aviation community is closely monitoring the outcomes of these investigations to enhance safety protocols and prevent future occurrences.