Incident Response
What led to the miraculous survival of all passengers and crew aboard Delta Flight 4819?
All 80 passengers and crew aboard Delta Flight 4819 miraculously survived the crash landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport despite the aircraft flipping upside down. The heroic four-member flight crew played a crucial role, standing on the ceiling of the inverted plane to help passengers escape from their seatbelt restraints. First responders arrived quickly at the scene, providing immediate assistance to the 21 injured individuals who suffered back sprains, head injuries, headaches and nausea. Their rapid response, combined with the flight crew's actions, ensured everyone made it out alive from what could have been a catastrophic incident, earning both groups recognition as heroes for their life-saving efforts.
Watch clip answer (01:03m)
ABC News
01:52 - 02:55
What happened during the crash landing of Delta Airlines Flight 4819 in Toronto?
Delta Airlines Flight 4819 experienced a catastrophic landing in Toronto when its landing gear collapsed upon touchdown. Video footage shows the right wing striking the runway, sparking flames as the aircraft flipped onto its back. The incident created a cloud of black smoke rising into the air. According to passenger John Nelson, the plane hit the runway extremely hard, popped up, and felt like it was leaning to the left before the accident fully unfolded. Despite the severity of the crash, all 80 passengers and crew survived thanks to the heroic actions of the flight crew who guided everyone to safety. Investigators are currently reviewing the footage to determine the cause of the accident.
Watch clip answer (00:23m)ABC News
00:47 - 01:10
What safety protocols helped save lives during the Delta Flight 4819 crash?
Several critical safety protocols likely saved lives during the Delta Flight 4819 crash at Toronto's Pearson Airport. Wearing seatbelts proved essential, as passengers reported hanging upside down by their restraints after the crash, which prevented more serious injuries despite the plane's landing gear collapsing and wing striking the ground. Equally important was passengers' willingness to follow flight attendant instructions, evacuating quickly without retrieving luggage. This rapid evacuation process, combined with proper use of safety restraints, contributed significantly to the survival of all 80 people on board despite 21 injuries. These basic yet vital safety measures underscore why airline safety briefings should never be ignored.
Watch clip answer (00:08m)ABC News
03:19 - 03:28
What happened during the Delta Flight 4819 crash landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport?
During the crash landing, passenger John Nelson experienced terrifying moments as the plane went down. He described seeing a giant firewall along the side of the aircraft and feeling intense heat through the glass. The plane began moving sideways and tumbling, though he wasn't certain how many times it rolled. Ultimately, the aircraft flipped completely and came to rest upside down, leaving all 80 passengers and crew suspended in their seatbelts. Despite the severity of the crash, which involved the landing gear failing and the right wing striking the ground, everyone survived thanks to the heroic actions of flight crew and first responders, though 21 people were injured.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)ABC News
01:10 - 01:22
What role did the flight crew play in Delta Flight 4819's crash landing?
The crew of Delta Flight 4819 played a heroic and crucial role during the emergency landing. They effectively led all 80 passengers to safety after the plane rolled over, leaving passengers suspended upside down. The flight attendants' instructions were vital - passengers who wore seatbelts and followed directions were able to evacuate quickly, leaving luggage behind. These actions by the crew, along with first responders who escorted everyone to safety, were praised by officials as life-saving measures. Their quick thinking and professional response in this harrowing situation demonstrated the most important role flight crews serve - not just as service providers, but as trained safety professionals during emergencies.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
ABC News
02:48 - 03:28
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