A shocking incident unfolded at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Monday, February 17, 2025, when Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, a CRJ-900 regional jet, flipped onto its roof while attempting to land. Fortunately, all 80 people on board, including 76 passengers and four crew members, survived the ordeal, with 18 sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time, as the plane, which had departed from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, was trying to land amidst challenging weather conditions. Snow blown by winds gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph) swirled around the plane, making the landing even more treacherous.
Passengers on board described the harrowing experience, with one passenger, Peter Carlson, recounting how the landing was “very forceful” and how everything suddenly went sideways, leaving him upside down and strapped in his seat.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States providing assistance. The TSB will lead the investigation and provide updates on the progress.
As part of the investigation, officials will examine the plane’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation will also focus on the role of weather conditions, pilot error, and potential mechanical issues with the plane.
Response and Aftermath
Emergency responders quickly sprang into action, with firefighters and paramedics rushing to the scene to assist the injured passengers. The airport’s CEO, Deborah Flint, expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities and only relatively minor injuries.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian released a statement expressing his thanks to the responders and Delta team members, while also acknowledging the impact on those affected by the incident.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of regional jets and the challenges of landing in adverse weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, officials will work to determine the cause of the crash and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Timeline of Events
- 2:45 p.m. local time: Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 crashes while attempting to land at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
- 3:30 p.m. local time: Emergency responders arrive at the scene and begin assisting injured passengers.
- Evening of February 17: The Transportation Safety Board of Canada launches an investigation into the incident.
The crash of Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is a sobering reminder of the risks and uncertainties of air travel. While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, it is clear that a combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions, pilot error, and potential mechanical issues, contributed to the crash. As the aviation community continues to investigate and learn from this incident, it is essential that we prioritize the safety of passengers and crew, and work to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.