Delta Airlines plane overturns on landing at Toronto airport injuring 18 passengers

Delta Air Lines Jet Flips Upon Landing in Toronto, 18 Injured

Strong Winds Amid Snowstorm Cited as Possible Contributing Factor

A Delta Air Lines regional jet operated by Endeavor Air flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board.The incident occurred during windy weather following a snowstorm that dumped over 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow at the airport.

Three individuals,including a child,sustained critical injuries,while 15 others were instantly transported to hospitals. Some of the injured have since been released, according to Delta.

Crash Detailed by Passengers and Video footage

Passenger John Nelson captured video of the aftermath, showing the plane lying belly-up on the snow-covered tarmac.”We hit the ground, and we were sideways, and then we were upside down,” Nelson recounted to a television network. “I was able to just unbuckle and sort of fall and push myself to the ground.” he described assisting othre passengers who needed help exiting the aircraft.

Video footage and witness accounts indicated that at least one of the plane’s wings had detached during the incident.

Weather Conditions and Investigation Underway

Toronto Pearson Airport reported high winds and frigid temperatures at the time of the landing. FlightRadar24 data showed the Delta plane touched down at 2:13 p.m.(1913 GMT) and came to rest near the intersection of Runway 23 and Runway 15.The flight tracking website reported “gusting crosswind and blowing snow” as weather conditions during the crash.

Toronto Pearson Fire Chief todd Aitken stated late Monday that the runway was dry and there were no crosswind conditions. However, several pilots who viewed videos of the incident contested this claim.

Aviation safety expert and pilot John Cox noted an average crosswind of 19 knots (22 mph) from the right during the landing,emphasizing that gusts would fluctuate. “ItS gusty so they are constantly going to have to be making adjustments in the airspeed,adjustments in the vertical profile and adjustments in the lateral profile,” Cox explained,adding that “it’s normal for what professional pilots do.”

Investigators will aim to determine why the right wing separated from the aircraft. The transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed a team of investigators,with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board offering assistance.

Airport Operations and Global Implications

While flights have resumed at Toronto Pearson, airport president Deborah Flint stated that there would be operational impacts and delays in the coming days as two runways remain closed for the investigation.

“We are vrey grateful that there is no loss of life and relatively minor injuries,” Flint said at a press conference, praising the work of frist responders.

The incident comes after several other recent crashes in North America, raising concerns about aviation safety. A U.S. Army helicopter collided with a CRJ-700 passenger jet in Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities. At least seven people died when a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, and 10 were killed in a passenger plane crash in Alaska. – Reuters

Global aviation standards mandate a preliminary investigation report to be published within 30 days of an accident.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which acquired the CRJ aircraft program from Bombardier in 2020, expressed its commitment to fully cooperating with the investigation.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and Enhanced Safety Measures

The incident at toronto Pearson underscores the importance of continuous efforts to enhance aviation safety. While the specific cause of the crash remains under investigation, this event provides a valuable chance to analyze contributing factors, identify potential areas for enhancement in aircraft design, training, and operational procedures, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel. However, it also highlights the resilience of passengers and the crucial role of skilled pilots and emergency responders in mitigating potential tragedies.

What specific training on managing tailwind landings would you recommend for pilots?

Interview with aviation safety expert,Captain Susan Harris,on the Delta Air Lines incident in Toronto

Archyde: Welcome,Captain Harris.In light of the recent Delta Air Lines incident in Toronto, where an aircraft flipped upon landing, what’s your assessment of the possible contributing factors, specifically the weather conditions?

Captain susan Harris: Thank you. Indeed, the weather was a significant factor. Strong winds and blowing snow were present during the landing. According to FlightRadar24, a crosswind of over 19 knots was recorded, which can be challenging for pilots, especially during a gusty touchdown.

Archyde: Were these conditions unusual for Toronto Pearson International Airport?

Captain Harris: Not entirely. Toronto Pearson is known for its demanding weather conditions, but these were quite severe following a significant snowstorm. The key is for pilots to manage these conditions within their aircraft’s performance limits.

Archyde: Some witnesses suggested that at least one wing detached during the incident. What’s your take on this, and how might it have happened?

Captain Harris: If the wing did indeed detach, it’s a serious issue that needs thorough investigation. While rare,wing separation can occur due to structural failures,often caused by excessive aerodynamic forces,like those experienced in high winds. It’s also possible that the jet experienced a ground loop, where the plane over-runs the runway and the nose or wing tip touches down, leading to separation.

Archyde: The Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the U.S. National Transportation safety Board are investigating.What expect from their findings, and what improvements might come from this?

Captain Harris: A thorough investigation will examine the aircraft’s airworthiness, maintenance history, crew performance, and weather data. Based on past incidents, we often see recommendations for enhanced pilot training, procedural updates, or aircraft design modifications to improve safety. The 30-day preliminary report will give us initial insights, and the final report should offer actionable steps to prevent similar incidents.

Archyde: How can airlines and airports enhance safety in challenging weather conditions like these?

Captain susan Harris: Regular crew training on wind shear and crosswind techniques is crucial. Groundskeeping can also play a role,ensuring runways are clear and well-maintained. Lastly, accurate and timely weather information is vital for both pilots and air traffic control to make safe decisions.

Archyde: This incident happened during a period of increased awareness about airline safety,following a series of recent crashes in North America. How should the industry address these concerns?

Captain Susan Harris: Open communication and transparency are key. Regularly updating the public on safety improvements, investing in new technologies like predictive maintenance, and overseeing strict regulatory compliance will help restore confidence in air travel. Each incident is a learning opportunity, and we must strive to continually enhance safety.

Archyde: Thought-provoking question: If you could implement one change today to improve aviation safety, what would it be?

Captain Susan Harris: I’d mandate improved training on managing tailwind landings. With more cross-runway operations and gusty conditions, pilots need to be proficient in handling tailwinds, which can lead to a hort takeoff or a hard landing if not managed correctly.

Archyde: Thank you, Captain Harris, for your expert insights. We hope to see aviation safety continually improve, learning from incidents like these.

Captain susan Harris: My pleasure.Safety is our collective responsibility in the aviation industry, and every effort counts.