Toronto Airport Crash

On February 17, 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a catastrophic landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The Bombardier CRJ-900, registration N932XJ, ended up upside down on runway 23, injuring 18 passengers but causing no fatalities.

The flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to YYZ carried 76 passengers and four crew members. At approximately 2:15 PM local time, the aircraft flipped over upon landing. At first, because of the gusty winds, I assumed that the accident was a wind shear-related upset during the landing, but after reviewing the landing video, it now appears to be an incomplete flare. Passengers reported a very hard landing. This collapsed the right main landing gear, causing a right-wing strike, which resulted in massive structural failure. The data recorder will clarify if the pilot applied adequate control back pressure for a proper flare, or if there is some other explanation.

Weather Conditions:

Gusty winds of 35-40 knots were reported, with visibility at 5 miles in blowing snow. Runway 23 has an ILS with a 3-degree glide path, likely used by the crew. Control tower audio warned of a possible "airflow bump," which might imply wind shear or turbulence, though the terminology was non-standard.

Injuries and Emergency Response:

Eighteen passengers were injured, three critically, including a child, yet no injuries were life-threatening. The emergency response was reported as “exemplary”, potentially preventing further harm as the aircraft was on fire.

Pilot Challenges:

Managing crosswinds in such conditions can be challenging. Techniques like crabbing to a cross-control are typical but can be difficult under these conditions. Blowing snow only adds to the complexity of the landing.

Runway and Approach:

The ILS and 3-degree glide path on runway 23 should help ensure a stable approach, but blowing snow could have obscured the pilots' visual cues and depth perception.

Investigation and Legal Aspects:

The investigation, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada with NTSB assistance, will focus on:

• Training and Procedures: Any deviations from standard operating procedures.

• Aircraft Airworthiness: Whether all systems were functioning correctly.

• Airport Operations: Checking for any runway or airport management deficiencies, particularly in adverse weather.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to ICAO standards.

• Passenger Rights and Compensation: Addressing any claims under the Montreal Convention.

Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 Endeavor Air Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ Aviation Accident CRJ-900 Bombardier Aviation Safety Pilot Training Crosswinds Gusty Winds ILS Approach Air Traffic Control Weather Impact Emergency Response Aviation Law Passenger Rights Compensation Claims TSB Canada NTSB Aviation Investigation Montreal Convention Runway 23 Blowing Snow Wind Shear