- What Happened: Delta flight flips on landing at Toronto Pearson Airport.
- Casualties: 19 injured, including a child in critical condition.
- Cause: Under investigation, weather may be a factor.
- Airport Impact: Flights were grounded for around two and a half hours.
Delta Plane Crash-Lands Upside Down in Toronto!
Hold on to your seats, folks! A Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto turned into a real-life nightmare on Monday, February 17, 2025. The plane, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, flipped upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, leaving a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Imagine seeing a plane upside down on a snowy runway – that’s what emergency crews faced!
The airport confirmed the incident, stating that all 76 passengers and four crew members were accounted for. But here’s the chilling part: 19 people were injured, and three are in critical condition. One of those critically injured is a child, who was rushed to Toronto’s SickKids hospital. Let’s keep them in our thoughts!
What Caused This Disaster?
The big question everyone’s asking: What caused this plane to flip? While the investigation is still in its early stages, weather conditions are definitely under scrutiny. Toronto was hit by a winter storm over the weekend, and at the time of the accident, the Meteorological Service of Canada reported blowing snow and winds gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph). The temperature? A bone-chilling 16.5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 8.6 degrees Celsius).
Could the weather be the sole culprit? Aviation experts say it’s too early to jump to conclusions. John Cox, a seasoned aviation safety consultant, pointed out that while the CRJ-900 is a reliable aircraft designed to handle inclement weather, the wind conditions were indeed challenging. The investigation will need to consider all factors, including potential mechanical issues or pilot error.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Video footage from the scene paints a dramatic picture. The plane, lying upside down on the snow-covered tarmac, was being hosed down by firefighters. Emergency vehicles swarmed the area, and medical helicopters were called in to transport the injured. Tower controllers were heard coordinating the response, ensuring that all passengers were accounted for.
According to the tower, the plane came to a rest near the start of the runway. One chilling exchange revealed the severity of the situation: “Just so you’re aware, there’s people outside walking around the aircraft there,” a tower controller said. The medical helicopter pilot responded: “Yeah, we’ve got it. The aircraft is upside down and burning.”
Missing Wing: A Key Piece of the Puzzle?
Adding to the mystery, reports indicate that the plane was missing a right wing. As aviation expert John Cox explained, a missing wing could definitely cause a plane to roll over. The investigation will focus on determining what happened to the wing and analyzing data from the flight and cockpit voice recorders.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns
This isn’t the first time Pearson Airport has faced a major aviation incident. Back in 2005, an Air France Airbus A340 skidded off the runway and burst into flames during a storm. Miraculously, all 309 passengers and crew survived that crash.
This latest incident comes amid heightened concerns about aviation safety in North America. Recent mishaps, including a collision between a commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter near Washington D.C., and plane crashes in Philadelphia and Alaska, have raised questions about potential systemic issues. Could these incidents be isolated events, or are they indicative of a broader problem?
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation into the Delta flight incident, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Both Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz have issued statements expressing their concern and support for those affected.
As the investigation unfolds, we’ll be following this story closely, bringing you the latest updates and insights. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
What’s Next?
- Investigation: The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation.
- Data Analysis: Flight recorders will be analyzed to determine the cause of the crash.
- Safety Review: Aviation authorities may review safety protocols in light of recent incidents.
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