Flight 4819
Delta Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, represents a significant incident in recent aviation history that drew widespread attention after the aircraft crashed during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. On February 17, 2025, the Bombardier CRJ900 encountered challenging weather conditions, including gusty winds reaching up to 64 km/h and blowing snow, resulting in a dramatic crash landing that caused the plane to flip upside down. Remarkably, all 80 occupants—76 passengers and four crew members—were safely evacuated, though 21 sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness and effective evacuation procedures. The incident has prompted investigations by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to determine the causes and contributing factors, focusing on issues like the aircraft's high descent rate of over 1,100 feet per minute during approach and mechanical failures upon landing. Preliminary reports indicate that a critical component of the right landing gear fractured, leading to severe structural damage, including the separation of the right wing, which ignited a fire on impact. Despite the accident's severity, the successful evacuation, aided by the aircraft's safety features and crew responses, has been credited with preventing fatalities, demonstrating aviation safety advancements even amidst unforeseen challenges. This incident remains a crucial case study in aviation safety and emergency response protocols, highlighting the measures and resilience that define modern air travel.
What caused the Delta Flight 4819 airplane to roll during the crash landing?
According to NBC News aviation analyst John Cox, the detachment of the right wing from the aircraft was the direct cause of the airplane's rolling motion during the incident. As explained in the clip, when the right wing separated from the aircraft, the lack of that wing's aerodynamic support caused the airplane to roll uncontrollably. Despite this catastrophic structural failure and the resulting crash landing in Toronto, remarkably, no lives were lost in this dramatic incident, making it a notable case of survival in a serious aviation emergency.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
NBC News
00:22 - 00:35
What were the weather conditions during the Delta Flight 4819 crash landing in Toronto?
During Delta Flight 4819's crash landing in Toronto, there were conflicting reports about the weather conditions. The fire chief stated that wind was not an issue at the exact moment of the crash, but meteorologists reported challenging weather conditions in the area, with wind gusts as strong as 40 miles per hour. Aviation expert John Cox noted that while these conditions were indeed challenging, they were still within the range of what professional pilots are trained to handle. These weather conditions will be a key focus for Canadian investigators, with assistance from the FAA and NTSB, as they examine the factors that contributed to the incident.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)NBC News
00:55 - 01:15
How did passengers and flight attendants respond during the Delta Flight 4819 crash landing?
During the chaotic crash landing of Delta Flight 4819 in Toronto, passengers found themselves suspended upside down in their seats as the plane flipped over and burst into flames. Despite this terrifying situation, passenger Peter Kukoff noted the remarkable composure of the flight crew, stating that "everybody handled it pretty well considering we were in a plane crash." Kukoff was particularly impressed by how the flight attendants remained calm and helpful throughout the emergency, efficiently assisting all passengers to evacuate the aircraft. This professional response likely contributed to the remarkable outcome that, while 21 of the 80 people onboard were injured, there were no fatalities in what could have been a much more tragic incident.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)NBC News
01:32 - 01:49
What were the weather conditions like during the Delta Flight 4819 crash landing in Toronto?
According to the fire chief, wind was not a factor when the plane crashed. However, meteorologists reported gusts as strong as 40 miles per hour in the area at the time of the incident. NBC News Aviation Analyst John Cox described the conditions as challenging, but noted they were within professional pilots' capabilities to handle. The weather, while difficult, was not beyond what trained pilots are prepared to manage during landings.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
NBC News
01:01 - 01:15
What happened to Delta Flight 4819 during its landing in Toronto?
Delta Flight 4819 experienced a catastrophic crash landing in Toronto where the aircraft hit the runway, burst into flames, and then flipped over. The incident was captured from another aircraft's cockpit, showing the moment of impact and subsequent fire. Aviation analyst John Cox noted the plane lost its right wing during landing, yet remarkably, all 80 passengers survived the harrowing crash. Only 21 people required hospital treatment despite the severe nature of the accident.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)NBC News
00:07 - 00:14
What is the current status of the Delta Flight 4819 aircraft after its crash landing in Toronto?
The fuselage of Delta Flight 4819 remains on the runway following its crash landing in Toronto. According to officials, it will likely stay there for approximately two days while investigations continue. Despite the severity of the incident, remarkably all 80 passengers survived the crash landing, though some sustained injuries. The aircraft's presence on the runway is causing disruptions to airport operations, with expected delays due to runway shutdowns during the investigation period.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)NBC News
00:42 - 00:51