accident investigation
What role does video play in studying aviation accidents and investigating whether an aircraft functioned correctly?
Video has become an invaluable tool for accident investigators, serving as what Gregory Feith calls 'electronic witnesses' that provide unbiased factual data. Unlike human witnesses who might confuse details, videos don't lie or fabricate stories - they show exactly what happened. In earlier days of aviation investigation, NTSB relied heavily on witness statements and had to separate fact from fiction, but modern video evidence offers clear documentation of events. For incidents like the Delta Airlines landing, video analysis allows investigators to examine crucial details about aircraft performance and equipment function, providing objective evidence that significantly enhances the investigation process.
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CBS News
28:13 - 29:03
What happened to the Delta plane at Toronto's Pearson Airport?
Investigators are currently examining an incident where a Delta aircraft crash-landed and flipped over at Toronto's Pearson Airport. The plane experienced a severe landing issue that caused it to overturn during touchdown, resulting in what officials are describing as a plane tragedy. Remarkably, all passengers and crew members onboard survived the incident despite the dramatic nature of the crash. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the aircraft's failure to land properly and subsequent rollover.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
WION
02:30 - 02:41
How did passengers evacuate from the Delta Airlines plane that crash-landed upside down?
Passengers evacuated from the upside-down Delta Airlines plane while many were hanging like bats from their seats, held in place by their seat belts after the plane flipped over during the crash landing. The evacuation was frantic with crew members directing passengers to leave belongings behind and exit immediately. The incident occurred after the plane departed from Minneapolis and landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Despite the plane landing upside down, remarkably no fatalities were reported among the 80 passengers, though 21 people sustained injuries during this harrowing experience.
Watch clip answer (01:20m)
Fox News
00:43 - 02:04
How does the aviation industry approach safety investigations following incidents like the Delta Airlines crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport?
The aviation industry takes safety investigations extremely seriously, with dedicated professionals meticulously examining all details of incidents. As mentioned in the clip, professionals on the ground thoroughly investigate each aspect of accidents, continuing their analysis long after the event occurs. This commitment to thorough investigation extends even to previous incidents, as referenced regarding a crash in D.C. that is still being examined. The speaker emphasizes that this serious approach to aviation safety is a significant blessing that sets certain countries apart, highlighting that such rigorous safety standards aren't universal worldwide.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)
Fox News
07:06 - 07:27
What role did weather conditions play in the Delta jet crash in Toronto?
Officials reported that while Toronto had received unusually heavy snowfall in the days prior to the incident, the runways themselves were clear at the time of the crash. According to the fire chief, weather conditions were clear during landing, though there was still snow accumulated on the sides of the runways. Investigators have not yet determined the exact causes of the fire during landing or what caused the aircraft to flip, so the precise role of weather remains under investigation.
Watch clip answer (01:07m)
ABC News
00:52 - 02:00
What were the weather and runway conditions at the time of the Delta jet crash in Toronto?
According to transportation reporter Sam Sweeney, the weather was clear at the time of the crash, though Toronto had received an abnormally large amount of snow beforehand. The runways themselves had been treated and were clear for landing, although there was accumulated snow on the sides of the runways. Interestingly, this snow on the sides may have actually been beneficial, as Sweeney mentions it could have aided firefighters in their emergency response efforts. Despite challenging winter conditions leading up to the incident, the airport had taken measures to ensure the primary landing surfaces were properly maintained for aircraft operations.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
ABC News
01:16 - 01:31