Delta connection flight 4819 crash-lands in Toronto amid severe weather
On February 17, 2025, Delta Connection Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, arriving from Minneapolis, encountered severe weather conditions, including gusty winds and a snow-covered runway, which contributed to a rough landing. Upon touchdown, the plane skidded, flipped over, and came to rest upside down on the runway.
Miraculously, all 80 onboard individuals—76 passengers and four crew members—survived the incident. Eighteen people sustained injuries, with three reported in critical condition but expected to recover.
Passengers described chaotic scenes inside the cabin, with many hanging upside down by their seat belts and the smell of jet fuel permeating the air.
The aircraft’s robust design and the prompt response of emergency personnel were pivotal in preventing fatalities. Experts have lauded the plane’s safety features and the efficiency of the rescue operations. Investigations by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Passengers expressed their astonishment after nearly all of them walked away unscathed from a dramatic plane crash in Toronto on Monday afternoon.
The Delta flight skidded down the runway in flames before flipping over and coming to a stop upside down, losing its tail and an entire wing in the process.
Some of the 80 passengers found themselves hanging upside down in their seats before scrambling over scattered luggage to reach safety on the snow-covered runway.
Despite the severity of the crash, no fatalities have been reported. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the incident, with experts pointing to harsh winter conditions or a problematic landing as possible factors. Analysts have also praised the aircraft’s advanced safety features for preventing loss of life.
What happened when the plane crashed?
The crash occurred shortly after 14:00 local time on Monday (19:00 GMT) and involved a CRJ-900 aircraft operating as Delta Airlines flight dl4819.
The plane had arrived in Toronto from Minneapolis, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. Upon landing, it appeared to have made a hard impact with the runway before skidding for some distance and ultimately flipping over.
Dan Ronan, a journalist, and faa-licensed pilot, observed that the sequence of events suggests the aircraft may have lost control due to runway conditions or other landing complications. Investigators are now examining the factors that contributed to the crash.
How did everyone on board the plane survive?
Everyone on board the plane survived due to a combination of the aircraft’s structural integrity, built-in safety features, and the quick response of emergency teams.
Faa-licensed pilot Dan Ronan described the crash’s survivability as “really amazing,” noting that the plane’s fuselage remained intact despite the impact.
Aviation experts also praised the aircraft’s design. CNN analyst and former FAA inspector David Soucie explained that the plane broke apart as intended, with the wings detaching in a way that prevented the fuselage from tearing apart. This crucial safety mechanism helped protect passengers and crew from fatal injuries.
