On February 17, 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a harrowing incident upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, en route from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, crashed during its landing sequence, flipping upside down and catching fire. Remarkably, all 80 individuals on board—76 passengers and four crew members—survived the ordeal. Eighteen people sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, including a child. The remaining fifteen injuries were minor.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Footage
Dramatic video footage from the scene captures the severity of the incident. One passenger, who was seated near the rear of the aircraft, described the moment of impact:
“We hit the ground hard, and the plane started to tilt. There was a loud noise, and then flames erupted. It was terrifying.”
Another passenger recounted the evacuation process:
“Flight attendants were amazing. They helped us crawl out through the emergency exits. Some of us had to climb over seats to get out.”
These firsthand accounts highlight the chaos and urgency of the situation.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Emergency services responded swiftly, evacuating all passengers before the fire intensified. The quick actions of the crew and first responders were instrumental in preventing fatalities. The airport temporarily closed all five runways, causing delays and diversions to nearby airports.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board are conducting investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the runway was dry, and there were no crosswind conditions at the time of landing.
In the aftermath, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian expressed gratitude to the responders and the Delta team for their professionalism and quick response. The incident has prompted discussions about aviation safety protocols and the importance of rigorous training for emergency situations.
As investigations continue, the aviation community remains focused on uncovering the factors that led to this incident to enhance safety measures and prevent future occurrences.
