On February 17, 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, a Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet, crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down upon impact. The flight, originating from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members.
Incident Details
The crash occurred around 2:45 PM local time on a snow-covered runway. Upon landing, the aircraft overturned, resulting in flames that were quickly extinguished by emergency responders. Miraculously, all 80 individuals on board survived, with 18 sustaining injuries. Among the injured, three individuals—one child and two adults—were reported to be in critical condition. The remaining 15 injuries were non-critical.
Passenger Accounts
Passenger Pete Koukov shared a video depicting the chaotic evacuation, highlighting the disarray inside the cabin, including dislodged tray tables and scattered belongings. Despite flight attendants’ instructions to avoid recording, Koukov documented the scene as he exited the aircraft. The footage also revealed significant damage to the plane’s exterior, including a broken wing.
Investigation and Response
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that strong winds, with gusts exceeding 50 km/h, were present at the time of the incident. However, the exact cause remains under investigation.
In response to the incident, Delta Air Lines expressed gratitude for the swift actions of emergency responders and the professionalism of the flight crew. The airline is cooperating fully with the investigation and is providing support to the affected passengers and their families.
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and the resilience of both passengers and crew in the face of unexpected emergencies.