A Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) jet flipped onto its roof while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday afternoon, but fortunately, all 80 people on board survived. Eighteen individuals, including three passengers with critical injuries, were taken to hospitals, according to Canadian air ambulance officials.
The Delta flight DL4819, originated from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. It attempted to land around 2:15 p.m. amid severe weather conditions, including strong winds gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph) and swirling snow. While communications between the control tower and pilots appeared normal during the approach, it remains unclear what caused the crash upon touchdown.
The most serious injuries included a child, with three passengers listed in critical condition. The other 15 injured individuals are expected to recover. The incident prompted Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) stock to drop about 2% in premarket trading Tuesday.
Video footage shared online showed the aircraft, a 16-year-old CRJ900 operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary, upside down on the tarmac. Firefighters were seen putting out flames while passengers were seen climbing out of the wreckage, walking away unscathed. Despite the dramatic scene, the aircraft fuselage appeared largely intact, though at least one wing had detached.
Toronto Pearson Airport, still recovering from a weekend snowstorm that dumped 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow, reported difficult weather conditions throughout the day. Strong winds and freezing temperatures created a hazardous environment for pilots.
Audio recordings from the tower revealed that the pilots were warned about potential turbulence during the landing. US aviation safety expert and pilot John Cox noted that crosswinds were averaging 19 knots (22 mph) from the right, with gusts likely fluctuating, which may have contributed to the crash.
The aircraft involved, built by Bombardier and powered by GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) engines, has the capacity to carry up to 90 passengers. Further investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
