Gina Heslop
Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025.
The Bombardier CRJ-900, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, had departed from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport for what was supposed to be a routine flight.
At 2:15 p.m., as the plane touched down, it veered off course, flipped upside down, and slid across the snowy runway.
Thick smoke rose as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Despite the severity of the crash, all 80 people on board survived, though 18 were injured, including three in critical condition.
Toronto Pearson CEO Deborah Flint praised the quick response of emergency teams, calling it a close call but emphasizing that the orderly evacuation saved lives. Delta Air Lines confirmed they were assisting passengers and cooperating with investigators.
Aviation authorities launched an investigation, with early reports suggesting icy runway conditions may have played a role. Flight data and cockpit recordings will be analyzed to determine the exact cause.
Passengers shared their experiences on social media. One passenger, Ashley Zook, posted a video from inside the overturned plane, saying, “My plane crashed. I’m upside down.” Others described the moment of impact, the eerie silence before flipping, and struggling to unbuckle seatbelts.
The flight crew was praised for staying calm and guiding passengers to safety. Their quick thinking likely prevented a greater disaster.
The airport temporarily suspended operations, but flights resumed by evening. Delta promised compensation and counseling for affected passengers.
The crash follows a recent fatal collision near Washington, D.C., raising concerns about aviation safety in winter conditions.
Though terrifying, the survival of everyone on Flight 4819 is remarkable. Investigators are now working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
