A Delta Air Lines regional jet crashed and overturned during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, seriously injuring 18 passengers, including one child. The crash occurred on February 17, 2025, and has prompted a heated investigation into the reason for the crash.
The Delta Connection aircraft was landing in Toronto when the plane became uncontrollable on the runway, shooting the aircraft to:
- Skid out of control before overturning onto its roof.
- Deal a major blow to its fuselage and landing gear.
- Trigger an emergency evacuation, with passengers and crew members scrambling for safety.
- The authorities have confirmed that 18 people were injured, including a child, but no fatalities are reported.
Possible Reasons behind the Crash
The investigators are looking into various reasons that caused the crash, which include:
- Severe Weather Conditions – Toronto had icy runways and strong crosswinds, which would have presented difficulty in landing.
- Pilot Miscalculation or Technical Failure – The flight record and cockpit voice recorder will be examined for possible malfunction or miscalculation.
- Landing Gear Failure – Initial reports suggest that the aircraft may have been subject to landing gear failure, leading to a lack of smooth landing.
Eyewitness Accounts
The passengers who were on board the flight described a terrifying moment when the aircraft skidded out of control.
- “The plane was shaking really hard, and suddenly we were upside down,” one passenger testified.
- “I just grabbed my kid and ran the second the doors opened,” another survivor testified.
Emergency workers were quick to respond, evacuating passengers in minutes.
Injuries and Medical Response
Of the 18 injured, the majority had minor to moderate injuries, including:
- Broken bones and bruising were reported.
- One child was treated for shock.
- A handful of passengers were hospitalized for observation.
Toronto Pearson’s emergency response teams quickly evacuated victims to local hospitals, where they received prompt medical care.
Impact on Operations of Toronto Pearson Airport
- Flights were halted momentarily as crewmembers removed the wreckage.
- A few runways were closed, making arrival flights to make detours at other airports.
- Delta Air Lines released a statement, concerned with the people hurt and cooperating with investigators to their fullest.
Next Steps during the Investigation
Regulatory authorities, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) as well as FAA, are struggling to figure out:
- Whether bad weather had an important contribution towards the crash.
- If there was any contribution from mechanical failures or pilot miscalculations.
- Potential changes are required in safety procedures to avoid subsequent incidents.
The Delta airplane crash in Toronto might have been a lot more devastating, but prompt emergency response measures ensured casualties were limited. As the investigation progresses, details of what led to this terrifying accident will continue to emerge, raising concerns about airline safety during winter conditions.
