On February 17, 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a crash-landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, resulting in the aircraft flipping upside down. The flight, originating from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, was a Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet carrying 76 passengers and four crew members.
Incident Details
Upon landing, the aircraft overturned on the snow-covered runway. Emergency responders promptly arrived at the scene, extinguishing flames and facilitating the evacuation of all individuals on board. Miraculously, there were no fatalities. However, 18 individuals sustained injuries, with three—one of whom was a child—reported to be in critical condition. The remaining 15 injured passengers were treated for non-critical injuries.
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.
Flight Diversions
The crash led to the temporary closure of both runways at Toronto Pearson International Airport, causing widespread flight disruptions. Notably, a British Airways Boeing 777 from London to Toronto was forced to return to London after approximately six hours in the air. Similarly, a TAP Air Portugal flight from Lisbon to Toronto diverted back to Lisbon after about eight hours. In total, 44 flights were diverted to nearby airports, including Montreal, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh.
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.
