A Delta Connection flight crash-landed and flipped upside down at Toronto Pearson Airport, sparking a tense emergency response captured in air traffic control communications.
At a Glance
- Delta Connection Flight 4819 from Minneapolis crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport
- All 80 passengers and crew survived, but 18 were injured, with three in critical condition
- Air traffic control audio revealed the plane was “upside down and burning” on the tarmac
- The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation
- Airport operations were temporarily disrupted but resumed within hours
Dramatic Landing Gone Wrong
On February 17, 2025, Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a harrowing crash landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The CRJ-900 jet, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members from Minneapolis-St. Paul, encountered difficulties during its final approach, resulting in a dramatic accident that saw the aircraft flip upside down on the runway.
The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m., sending shockwaves through the airport and prompting an immediate emergency response. Air traffic control communications, later released to the public, captured the intense moments as officials reacted to the unfolding crisis.
Swift Emergency Response
As the gravity of the situation became apparent, air traffic controllers quickly mobilized emergency services. Urgency was apparent in the air traffic control audio, with one controller stating, “This airplane just crashed.” Another controller confirmed the dire situation, reporting, “The aircraft there’s upside down and burning,” an air traffic controller said.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene to evacuate passengers and crew. Their swift action was crucial in preventing loss of life, though several individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Injuries and Hospital Care
While all 80 individuals on board survived the crash, the incident resulted in multiple injuries. According to reports, 18 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Three individuals, including a 4-year-old child, suffered critical injuries and were transported to trauma centers in Toronto.
“Initial reports were that there are no fatalities. Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted,” Delta News Hub said.
As the situation stabilized, emergency personnel provided an update on the casualties. “The remaining ones are all walking wounded, with cuts and scrapes, nothing serious at all,” Lawrence Saindon said.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has taken the lead in investigating the cause of the crash, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that information about the investigation will be released by Canadian authorities.
Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air have pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed sympathy for those affected and gratitude to the first responders and airline staff who assisted in the aftermath. The airline deployed an incident response team to provide support at the airport.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will examine factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, and human factors that may have contributed to the accident. The findings will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and enhancing aviation safety protocols.
