landing gear failure
What were the weather conditions during the Delta regional jet crash in Toronto?
The weather conditions during the Delta regional jet crash at Toronto Pearson Airport were extremely challenging, with about 40 mile per hour winds and a negative 2 degree wind chill at the time of the incident. Additionally, there was blowing snow that afternoon, creating hazardous conditions for aircraft operations. These severe weather conditions have raised significant questions among investigators about how they may have impacted the flight's safety and contributed to the crash-landing that caused the plane to flip upside down. Weather factors are a key focus in understanding exactly what happened when the flight gear reached the ground.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)
NBC News
01:41 - 02:00
What was the passenger experience like during the plane crash?
The passenger experience during the crash was absolutely terrifying. As one survivor recounted, the aircraft suddenly landed sideways, with passengers witnessing sparks and flames as parts of the plane ground against the runway. The incident unfolded very quickly, with passengers ultimately finding themselves hanging upside down from their seatbelts. The firsthand account reveals the chaotic and disorienting moments during the crash, emphasizing how rapidly the situation deteriorated from normal flight to a complete disaster. The vivid description of seeing flames and feeling the violent motion underscores the traumatic nature of the experience for everyone aboard.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
MSNBC
01:09 - 01:34
What factors are aviation investigators examining in the recent airplane accident?
In this major airplane accident, investigators are examining multiple critical factors. They will analyze the flight data recorder and cockpit crew communications to determine the vertical descent rate and landing metrics. Special attention is being given to the Bombardier CRJ landing gear, as the plane appeared to land on its right main landing gear, prompting questions about a possible pre-existing issue with the equipment. Investigators will also evaluate the design stress limits of the aircraft, runway conditions, and emergency response protocols. This comprehensive approach reflects the thorough investigative procedures employed in serious aviation incidents.
Watch clip answer (00:43m)
MSNBC
03:30 - 04:13
What was the passenger's experience during the plane crash?
The passenger described a terrifying experience where the aircraft suddenly turned fully sideways. They recalled looking down and seeing sparks and flames as something was grinding against the ground. The passenger mentioned that everything happened very quickly, resulting in the aircraft flipping upside down with passengers left hanging from their seatbelts. The vivid details of sparks, flames, and the disorienting position of being fully sideways and eventually upside down highlight the traumatic and chaotic nature of this aviation emergency.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)
MSNBC
01:09 - 01:30
How unusual is it for a plane to land upside down with all passengers surviving?
According to Professor Ella Atkins of Virginia Tech, it's almost unheard of for a plane to land upside down with its gear in the air and have everyone survive. She describes this Delta incident as 'remarkable,' emphasizing how extremely unusual such accidents are for commercial transport aircraft during landing. Despite this rare occurrence, Professor Atkins stresses that flying remains safe today. She specifically wants to reassure the public that no one should hesitate to go to the airport and catch their next flight, reinforcing that commercial air travel continues to be a safe mode of transportation regardless of this extraordinary incident.
Watch clip answer (00:45m)
CBS News
05:59 - 06:45
What happened to the Delta Air Lines jet at Toronto Pearson Airport and what was the outcome for passengers?
A Delta Air Lines jet flipped on its roof while landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport in what was described as a 'pretty deadly flip.' Despite the severity of the accident, all 80 people on board survived the incident, though approximately 18 passengers suffered minor injuries. This crash marks the fourth major aviation accident in North America within just three weeks, indicating a concerning pattern in recent air travel safety. The incident adds to growing safety concerns in the aviation industry, though the survival of all passengers in this case represents a fortunate outcome given the dramatic nature of the aircraft overturning.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
WION
00:00 - 00:22