A Delta Air Lines aircraft overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, resulting in injuries to 18 individuals. The incident occurred as Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, concluded its journey from Minneapolis to Toronto.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900, was carrying 80 occupants—76 passengers and four crew members. Upon landing at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, the plane flipped upside down on the snow-covered runway. Emergency responders promptly evacuated all individuals on board before a fire ignited on the aircraft’s left side.
John Nelson, a passenger on the flight, recounted the harrowing experience: “The plane hit the ground super hard and went sideways before flipping over.” He noted that the runway conditions appeared unusual, with gusty winds and residual snow from a prior storm.
Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, confirmed that 18 passengers sustained injuries. Among them, three individuals, including a child, were reported to be in critical condition and were transported to local hospitals via air ambulance. Despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities.
The incident led to a temporary suspension of operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Arrivals and departures were halted to facilitate emergency response efforts and ensure passenger safety. Normal operations resumed later in the day, with some flights diverted to nearby airports, including Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included winds of approximately 51 km/h, with gusts up to 64 km/h, and temperatures around -8.6 degrees Celsius. While the area had experienced a significant snowstorm over the weekend, the exact role of weather in the crash remains under investigation.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an inquiry into the incident, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators will examine various factors, including aircraft performance, pilot actions, and environmental conditions, to determine the cause of the accident.
This event marks the second major aviation incident involving a Bombardier CRJ700 series aircraft in 2025, following a mid-air collision near Washington Reagan National Airport in late January. The aviation community is closely monitoring the investigation’s progress to understand any broader implications for flight safety.
Delta Air Lines has expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with investigative authorities and providing support to the affected passengers and crew. The airline has also initiated its own internal review to assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.
