Toronto, Canada – A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring 18 passengers, including a child in critical condition. The shocking accident occurred on Monday afternoon, amid intense winds and heavy snowfall, marking one of the most dramatic aviation incidents in recent Canadian history.
Passengers Describe Moments of Terror
The aircraft, a CRJ900 operated by Endeavor Air, was completing Flight DL4819 from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport when disaster struck.
“It felt like a normal landing until the plane suddenly tilted. The next thing I knew, we were upside down,” recalled passenger John Nelson, who captured viral footage of the overturned jet on the tarmac.
According to emergency responders, three passengers suffered critical injuries, while 15 others were treated for various injuries, ranging from minor bruises to fractures.
Eyewitness Video Sparks Aviation Debate
A shocking video filmed by a passenger shows the wrecked CRJ900 jet belly-up on the tarmac, with its right wing detached and fire crews rushing to the scene.
“People were struggling to unbuckle their seatbelts while hanging upside down. Some needed help getting out,” Nelson described.
While Toronto Pearson officials claim the runway was dry and clear at the time of landing, several aviation professionals dispute this, pointing to video evidence showing snow and strong winds affecting visibility.
Air Safety Authorities Launch Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an official investigation.
Key areas of focus include:
- Aircraft mechanical integrity and potential structural weaknesses
- Pilot response to turbulent conditions
Not the First Time: History of Planes Flipping
While rare, incidents of aircraft flipping during landing have occurred before:
- Hong Kong (1999): A passenger plane flipped, resulting in three deaths.
- Newark (1997): A freighter crashed upside down, but all crew survived.
Experts note that advancements in aviation safety have significantly reduced fatalities in such accidents.
Toronto Pearson officials have confirmed that while operations have resumed, travelers should expect delays, as two major runways remain closed for investigation.
