Pearson International Airport
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
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 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
Why are officials warning of prolonged travel delays following the Delta Flight 4819 crash in Toronto?
Officials are warning travelers to expect delays and cancellations that could last for days following Delta Flight 4819's crash landing in Toronto. This extended disruption is compounded by the fact that the airport was already experiencing a significant backlog of flights before the incident occurred, primarily due to successive winter storms affecting operations. The crash has further exacerbated an already strained situation at the airport, creating additional complications for air traffic management and scheduling. With the combined impact of pre-existing weather-related backups and the aftermath of the crash, airport authorities anticipate that travel disruptions will continue for an extended period.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)NBC News
01:58 - 02:11
What caused Delta Flight 4819 to roll over during the crash landing in Toronto?
According to NBC News aviation analyst John Cox, the detachment of the right wing from the aircraft was the critical factor that caused the plane to roll over. The cockpit video, captured from another plane, reveals this crucial moment when the right wing separated from the aircraft upon impact with the runway. This video evidence clearly shows how the loss of the wing's stability directly led to the aircraft's roll, despite which all 80 passengers survived the dramatic incident with only 21 requiring hospital treatment.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)NBC News
00:14 - 00:32