On 19 February 2024, Delta Air Lines faced a serious incident when one of its regional jets flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring at least 15 people on board amid challenging weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, details about the crash, its causes, and the airline’s response are coming to light.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the crash involved a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary. The plane was landing in Toronto when it overturned, resulting in injuries to 15 passengers, including three individuals who sustained critical injuries, one of whom was a child. Remarkably, all crew and passengers were accounted for, and no fatalities were reported.
Unfavourable Weather Conditions
- High winds and frigid temperatures hit Toronto Pearson Airport following a major snowstorm that dropped over 22 cm of snow.
- The airport struggled to manage delays and diversions as airlines worked to recover from the weekend chaos.
Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, stated that the pilots were experienced in winter operations, reinforcing that they are well-trained for such conditions. He described the video footage of the incident as “horrifying” but commended the crew’s swift evacuation efforts.
Investigation Developments
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has commenced an investigation, gathering data from the aircraft’s black boxes. They are focused on understanding the events leading up to the crash, especially as initial reports suggest that several components of the aircraft may have separated upon impact.
With ongoing investigations, the airport was temporarily closed for about 90 minutes, leading to further complications as its busiest runway remained unusable.
Delta’s Response
As a gesture of goodwill, Delta offered US$30,000 to each passenger affected, which will not interfere with their legal rights. Fortunately, reports indicate that all injured individuals are expected to survive.
Air Travel Safety
Despite the alarming nature of this incident, Bastian reassured the public that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation. He emphasised the airline’s commitment to safety training and protocol, given the backdrop of multiple recent crashes across North America.
The aviation community awaits detailed findings from the TSB to better understand the factors leading to this serious incident, as they continue to uphold stringent safety standards in air travel.