Weather Impact on Flight
What were the weather conditions like when the Delta Airlines plane crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport?
The weather conditions were severe at the time of the crash, with winds of about 40 miles per hour, a minus 2 degree wind chill, and actively blowing snow. Visibility was limited as snow continued to blow through the air. The area had experienced more snow between Thursday and Sunday than they saw all of last year, creating challenging conditions for aircraft operations. These harsh winter weather conditions are being examined as a potential contributing factor to the crash.
Watch clip answer (01:17m)How is the severe winter weather affecting different parts of the United States?
The severe winter weather is wreaking havoc across multiple states with varying impacts. In Missouri, heavy wind and up to a foot of snow are blanketing the region, creating dangerous driving conditions that caused a truck to jackknife in Kansas City during the storm. In Minnesota, firefighters are battling extreme conditions with wind chills reaching 40 degrees below zero, which is affecting their equipment and lines. This brutal round of winter weather is part of a larger system sweeping across the country, bringing hazardous conditions to several regions.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)What happened during Delta Flight 4819's crash landing in Toronto?
Delta Flight 4819 experienced a catastrophic crash landing in Toronto where the aircraft struck the runway, burst into flames, and then flipped over. Video footage of the incident, reportedly captured from another plane's cockpit, shows the terrifying moment of impact and subsequent fire. The incident involved 80 passengers, with 21 requiring hospital treatment, though remarkably there were no fatalities. According to NBC News aviation analyst John Cox, this video footage will likely serve as key evidence in the ongoing investigation being conducted by Canadian authorities, the FAA, and the NTSB.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)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)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)