Delta Plane Crash at Toronto Pearson Airport: Bombardier CRJ900 Overturns

A Delta Air Lines jet carrying 80 passengers and crew members crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900 operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, overturned upon landing amid strong winds and drifting snow. Fortunately, all passengers and crew survived, though at least 18 people sustained injuries.

Incident Details

Flight 4819, traveling from Minneapolis, encountered difficulties during landing at approximately 2:15 p.m. Strong winds gusting up to 38 mph and reduced visibility due to snow may have played a role in the Delta plane crash. Upon impact, the aircraft skidded on its right side before flipping onto its roof, leaving passengers upside down as flames and smoke billowed from the wreckage.

Passenger Accounts

Several passengers shared their experiences of the terrifying moments:

• Pete Koukov, a professional skier, described feeling a normal descent before the plane suddenly skidded and flipped. “I unbuckled pretty fast and kind of lowered myself to the floor, which was the ceiling. People were panicking.”
• Pete Carlson, a paramedic on board, recounted the chaos inside the cabin. He assisted other passengers, including a mother and her child, before evacuating. “The most powerful part of today was there was just people, no countries, no nothing—it was just people together, helping each other.”

Rescue and Aftermath

Image by: Ian Willms for The New York Times

Emergency responders quickly arrived, extinguishing the fire and evacuating passengers. A trauma center treated one critically injured passenger, while others with minor to moderate injuries received medical attention at local hospitals.

The Delta plane crash caused major disruptions at Toronto Pearson International Airport, which was already dealing with heavy flight cancellations due to recent snowstorms. More than 200 flights were canceled on Monday night alone.

Investigation Underway

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials will examine flight data, weather conditions, and operational factors to determine the cause of the crash involving the Bombardier CRJ900.

Recent Aviation Accidents Raise Concerns

This accident adds to a troubling series of aviation incidents in 2025, including:

• The fatal mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29.
• A medical Learjet 55 crashed in Philadelphia on January 31, killing six people and one on the ground.
• The crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024 which resulted in multiple fatalities.

Looking Ahead

While Delta Flight 4819’s crash ended without loss of life, the incident underscores the dangers of winter aviation and the need for rigorous safety measures. Our thoughts are with those affected by this frightening experience, and as investigations unfold, we hope new insights emerge to enhance aviation safety. Mokaram Injury Lawyers offers our heartfelt support to all those involved in this incident, ready to assist in navigating the aftermath.