Black Boxes Recovered as Investigators Probe Shocking Toronto Plane Crash

Investigators have recovered the black boxes from a Delta Air Lines CRJ900 that flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring 21 people. Weather conditions, including gusting crosswinds and snow, may have contributed to the crash, but officials say it’s too early to determine the cause. Despite severe damage, all passengers survived, and authorities are analyzing flight data to understand the incident.

CONTENT:

• Delta Air Lines Flight Crash-Lands in Toronto, Catches Fire and Flips Over

Black Boxes Recovered as Investigators Probe Shocking Toronto Plane Crash

Canadian investigators have sent the black boxes from a Delta Air Lines regional jet to a laboratory for analysis as part of their probe into the causes of a crash that occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The incident took place on Monday when the CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, flipped upside down upon landing, resulting in injuries to 21 people.

According to Ken Webster, Senior Investigator at the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, parts of the aircraft separated upon impact, and a fire broke out following the crash. A team of over 20 Canadian investigators is leading the inquiry, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, Transport Canada, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Authorities stated that it is too early to determine what led to the accident involving Flight 4819, which was traveling from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with 80 individuals on board, including the crew. Airplane crashes typically result from a combination of factors, and investigators are working to gather data and evidence before drawing conclusions.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash included gusting crosswinds and blowing snow, according to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24. A widely circulated video of the landing showed the aircraft descending in a seemingly flat manner without executing the standard “flare” maneuver, which involves raising the nose of the plane to slow its speed before touchdown. Aviation expert John Cox noted that the landing appeared unusually forceful but emphasized that further analysis is required.

The CRJ900, manufactured by Bombardier and powered by GE Aerospace engines, is a 16-year-old aircraft with a seating capacity of up to 90 passengers. Post-crash footage revealed significant damage, with at least one of the aircraft’s wings detached from the fuselage.

Despite the severity of the accident, there were no fatalities. Delta reported that 19 of the 21 injured passengers taken to hospitals had already been released, while the two remaining individuals were not in life-threatening condition. Deborah Flint, CEO of Greater Toronto Airports, commended the flight crew and first responders for their efforts, stating that the survival of all passengers was remarkable given the damage to the aircraft.

Among the passengers was Peter Koukov, a 28-year-old professional skier and videographer from Denver, who was traveling to Toronto to assist in filming a ski video. He recalled not realizing anything was wrong until the plane struck the ground. He described how the aircraft bounced upon impact, giving the sensation of lifting off again before it turned on its side, slid, and ultimately came to a stop upside down.

Koukov and a fellow passenger remained composed and carefully lowered themselves down before exiting the aircraft. He recalled an emotional moment when they shared a prolonged hug before focusing on evacuating the plane.

The Delta aircraft landed in Toronto at 2:13 p.m. local time (1913 GMT) after an 86-minute flight and came to rest near the intersection of runway 23 and runway 15, according to FlightRadar24 data. The wreckage is expected to remain at the airport for approximately 48 hours, and two runways will remain closed until it is cleared, Flint stated.

Operations at Pearson Airport had already been disrupted due to a weekend snowstorm that dumped over 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow. The combination of weather-related delays and the impact of the crash has further affected airline schedules. Air Canada, in particular, has been struggling to resume normal operations after canceling approximately 1,290 flights over the past six days.

Investigators will continue to analyze flight data and cockpit voice recordings to understand the sequence of events leading up to the accident. The findings from the investigation will be critical in determining potential safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Delta Air Lines Flight Crash-Lands in Toronto, Catches Fire and Flips Over

A newly surfaced video captures the dramatic moment a Delta Air Lines flight crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, skidding across the tarmac, catching fire, and flipping onto its roof.

The aircraft, a CRJ-900 jet carrying 80 people from Minneapolis, encountered icy and windy conditions upon landing. Authorities reported that 21 passengers were initially hospitalized, with all but two now discharged. The airport’s chief, Deborah Flint, confirmed that the remaining hospitalized individuals were not in life-threatening condition.

According to the Transport Safety Board, the wreckage came to a stop slightly off the runway and facing the opposite direction. A video recorded near the runway shows the jet making its approach, with its landing gear fully extended. Witnesses described the initial touchdown as routine but rough, with passenger John Nelson noting the strong gusts and snow-covered runway.

Upon impact, the plane immediately began skidding, followed by a burst of flames. Pete Carlson, another passenger, described the moment as chaotic, recalling the aircraft suddenly going sideways and flipping upside down.

While the airport’s fire chief stated the runways were dry at the time, Toronto had recently experienced record snowfall, with over 50 centimeters accumulating within a few days—more than the entire snowfall of the previous winter.

A slowed-down video of the crash shows the aircraft losing balance, skidding uncontrollably, and rolling onto its roof. Nelson, seated near the wing, recalled the intense impact and the overwhelming smell of jet fuel as the aircraft came to a stop upside down. Passengers and crew quickly evacuated, with firefighters arriving on the scene almost immediately.

Canadian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Ken Webster, a senior investigator with the Transport Safety Board, provided an update from the wreckage site, noting that parts of the aircraft separated upon impact, leading to the fire.

Emergency responders have been praised for their swift action in evacuating the passengers. Video footage taken by survivors captures the aftermath, with Nelson describing the situation as “mass chaos” but emphasizing how passengers helped one another in the moment of crisis.

Toronto Pearson Airport continues its investigation, with two runways remaining closed. Flint commended the flight crew, emergency teams, and safety measures in place, stating that the response was a testament to the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols.