Toronto Plane Crash
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)
NBC News
01:58 - 02:11
What was Peter Kukoff's experience during the crash landing of Delta Flight 4819?
Peter Kukoff, a passenger on Delta Flight 4819, described how the plane's descent felt completely normal until the moment it hit the ground. When interviewed about whether he had a moment where he thought "this is it," Kukoff confirmed that he did have that realization during the crash. As the situation unfolded, Kukoff recalled thinking, "okay, the plane is crashing," and came to the grim conclusion that "if the plane is crashing, you're not going to live." Despite this terrifying experience, the crash landing in Toronto remarkably resulted in no fatalities, though 21 of the 80 passengers required hospital treatment.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)NBC News
01:16 - 01:30
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