Toronto plane crash timeline: Delta flight from Minneapolis flips upside while attempting to land

On Monday afternoon, a Delta Air Lines flight, operated by Endeavor Airlines, crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, as the aircraft, a Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-900, attempted to land in challenging weather conditions. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash happened amid powerful gusts of wind and drifting snow, which may have contributed to the accident. Photos and videos from the scene showed the plane lying on its belly, with passengers evacuating the overturned aircraft. Despite the harrowing incident, all 80 individuals on board—76 passengers and 4 crew members—were successfully evacuated, a testament to the swift and coordinated response of emergency services.

The FAA reported that 19 people sustained injuries in the crash, with three of them being transported to local hospitals for further treatment. Among the injured was a young child, approximately four years old, who was taken to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Authorities described the injuries as non-life-threatening but serious enough to require medical attention. The remaining 16 individuals were treated for minor injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, and were classified as “walking wounded.” Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Lawrence Saindon highlighted the fortunate outcome, noting that the situation could have been far worse. “Those three were critical, non-life-threatening injuries,” he said. “The remaining ones are all walking wounded, with cuts and scrapes, nothing serious at all.” The fact that the plane did not catch fire after the crash was described as “truly a miracle” by a former pilot, underscoring the potential severity of the situation.

The flight, Delta 4819, departed from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) at 10:30 a.m. local time, bound for Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). The journey was uneventful until the final moments of landing, when the aircraft encountered difficulty. Air Traffic Control (ATC) had reported winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph, creating challenging conditions for the pilots. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with officials examining factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot error. The FAA and other aviation authorities will conduct a thorough review of the incident to determine its root cause and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As news of the crash spread, Toronto Pearson Airport temporarily suspended arrivals and departures to allow emergency responders to address the situation. However, by 5:00 p.m. local time, the airport had resumed normal operations, with flights departing and arriving as scheduled. Despite the disruption, the airport emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff. In a statement released on social media, the airport said, “Departures and arrivals have resumed at Toronto Pearson as of 5 p.m.” The incident served as a reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in air travel, even as it highlighted the resilience and preparedness of the aviation industry.

Delta Air Lines issued a statement shortly after the crash, expressing concern for the well-being of the passengers and crew. “Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals,” the airline said. “Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted.” Delta also encouraged travelers affected by the incident to monitor the status of their flights via the Fly Delta app and to reach out to customer service for assistance. The airline’s response underscored its commitment to passenger safety and customer care, even in the face of unexpected events.

In the aftermath of the crash, aviation experts and analysts reflected on the broader implications of the incident. While such events are rare, they serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel. The crash has sparked renewed discussions about aviation safety, weather-related hazards, and the importance of rigorous training for pilots and crew members. As investigations into the incident continue, the focus will remain on understanding what went wrong and how similar accidents can be prevented in the future. For now, the safe evacuation of all 80 people on board Delta Flight 4819 stands as a testament to the skill and professionalism of the flight crew, emergency responders, and aviation authorities.