A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crashed and flipped on its back while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday afternoon. At least 17 people, including a child, were treated for injuries.
What Was the Flight?
Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 was landing at Pearson Airport just after 2 p.m. ET when the accident happened. The plane was a Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet with 76 seats, operated by Endeavor Air, a regional airline subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.
Who Was on Board?
There were 76 passengers and four crew members on the plane. All of them escaped safely after the aircraft flipped. 22 of the passengers were Canadian.
How Many People Were Injured?
Officials reported different numbers. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) said 17 people were injured, while Delta Air Lines reported 18 injuries. The exact number is still unclear.
Among the injured:
- A child was taken to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children with critical injuries.
- A man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s were also critically injured.
However, GTAA President Deborah Flint did not confirm these details.
How Did Everyone Survive?
Experts say the way the crash unfolded may have helped prevent fatalities.
David McNair, a former Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigator, said that a rolling impact is less severe than a direct impact.
John Gradek, an aviation expert at McGill University, credited the survival to firefighters, pilots, and the aircraft manufacturer.
What Caused the Crash?
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the probe, with help from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
An audio recording from Pearson’s air traffic control suggested the flight was cleared to land but was warned about a possible air flow “bump” from another aircraft.
What Was the Weather Like?
GTAA fire chief Todd Aitken said the runway was dry with no crosswinds. However, McNair noted that pilots were given instructions for a crosswind of up to 17 knots.
Pearson Airport had received 22 cm of snow over the weekend, and crews had been working to clear the runways.
Is the Airport Still Open?
Yes, Pearson Airport remains open, with flights arriving and departing. However, two runways were closed for investigation, and passengers are advised to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
