Pearson International Airport
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)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)What happened during Delta Flight 4819's crash landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport?
Delta Flight 4819 experienced a catastrophic hard landing at Toronto's Pearson Airport, where the landing gear erupted in flames and thick black smoke billowed from the aircraft. The plane then began to roll over, eventually leaving all 80 passengers and crew hanging upside down, suspended by their seatbelts. Despite the severity of the crash, the heroic flight crew successfully helped all passengers evacuate the overturned aircraft. Remarkably, everyone on board survived the harrowing incident, though the footage shows just how dangerous the situation was as the plane rolled and caught fire upon impact.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)What happened to Delta Flight 4819 and what is the status of the passengers?
Delta Flight 4819 experienced a crash landing in Toronto that resulted in the aircraft catching fire. Remarkably, all 80 people on board survived the incident, though 21 passengers required hospital treatment. According to Delta Air Lines, 19 of those hospitalized have already been released. The fuselage of the plane remains on the runway and will likely stay there for approximately two days while officials conduct their investigation. Multiple runways at the Toronto airport have been closed as a result, potentially causing travel delays for other passengers.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)What impact are the shutdown runways having on air traffic at Toronto airport following the Delta Flight 4819 crash?
The shutdown runways following the Delta Flight 4819 crash landing in Toronto are significantly slowing down air traffic at the airport. According to NBC News reporter Stephanie Gosk, these closures are causing considerable disruption to flight operations. The incident, which remarkably saw all 80 passengers survive despite the plane losing its right wing, igniting in flames, and flipping over, has led to notable delays and cancellations throughout the airport's schedule. With the aircraft fuselage still on the runway and ongoing investigations by Canadian authorities, the FAA, and the NTSB, these disruptions are likely to continue as officials examine the crash site and determine contributing factors.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)What was happening at Toronto Airport before and after the Delta Flight 4819 crash?
Before the crash of Delta Flight 4819, Toronto Airport was already experiencing a significant backlog due to successive winter storms that had disrupted normal operations. This pre-existing situation complicated the emergency response to the crash landing. In the aftermath of the incident, officials are now warning travelers about the potential for extended travel disruptions. Passengers are being advised that delays and flight cancellations could continue for days as the airport deals with both the ongoing winter weather conditions and the impact of the crash.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)