Delta Flight Overturns on Toronto Runway, No Fatalities Reported

A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto ended dramatically on Monday when it overturned during landing at Pearson International Airport, capping off a perilous few months in aviation with several fatal crashes.

Flight 4819, operated by Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, encountered a severe landing mishap around 2:15 p.m. ET, leaving the aircraft inverted on the snowy runway, its wheels pointing skyward. Despite the terrifying scene, all 80 passengers and crew members survived, though 18 sustained injuries, according to Delta’s statement.

This incident is part of a troubling series of aviation accidents, including a recent crash in Alaska that claimed 10 lives and a midair collision near Washington DC that resulted in 67 fatalities.

Immediate Response Praised

The CEO of Pearson Airport, Deborah Flint, and Delta CEO Ed Bastian extended their gratitude to the first responders whose swift actions helped avert a greater catastrophe. “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident,” Bastian said.

Toronto Airport’s fire chief, Todd Aitken, and local hospitals reported on the conditions of those injured. The Hospital for Sick Children confirmed a child among the injured is in good condition, and some adults have already been discharged from medical care.

Passenger Describes Chaos

Pete Koukov, a passenger, recalled the moment of the crash, describing how the plane landed hard and skidded sideways before coming to a rest upside down. “We were sideways, and then we were upside down hanging like bats,” Koukov told CNN. He managed to escape unassisted while others required help to exit the aircraft.

John Nelson, another passenger, echoed the sentiment of miraculous survival. “It’s amazing that we’re still here,” he said, recounting the intense impact and the immediate efforts to evacuate amidst smoke and the smell of jet fuel.

Peter Goelz, a former NTSB managing director, noted the aircraft involved, a Bombardier CRJ900, is designed to withstand significant impacts. This design likely played a critical role in enabling passengers and crew to evacuate quickly and safely.

As investigations begin, the aviation community is once again reminded of the inherent risks of air travel, despite its high safety standards. The recent string of accidents underscores the constant need for vigilance and improvement in aviation safety protocols.