In a harrowing incident on 17 February 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, ending up upside down upon impact. All 80 passengers on board survived, although 18 sustained injuries. The flight, operated by Endeavor Air, had departed from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport earlier that day.
Clearist footage showing the crash moment of Delta – Endevoir Air CRJ-900 Flight DL4819 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Toronto (YYZ) with registration N932XJ.
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) February 18, 2025
We will share the reports as soon as available. pic.twitter.com/4XRAdJt3c0
The aircraft involved was a 16-year-old Bombardier CRJ900LR, tail number N932XJ. Upon landing at approximately 2:13 pm EST, the plane overturned on the runway, coming to rest inverted. Emergency responders swiftly evacuated all passengers and crew. Initial reports indicated that three individuals, including a child, were critically injured; however, subsequent statements confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, praised the prompt response of first responders, stating, “We are very grateful that there is no loss of life and relatively minor injuries.”
Onboard video of the passenger evacuation from the Delta crash in Toronto#delta #Toronto #planecrash pic.twitter.com/fBEnsqDXuk
— 🇺🇸 Craig 🇺🇸 (@craigsgoji) February 17, 2025
Weather conditions and possible factors
At the time of the accident, Toronto was experiencing challenging weather conditions. Environment Canada reported strong westerly winds averaging 29 mph, with gusts reaching 38 mph, accompanied by drifting snow. Despite these conditions, Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken noted that the runway was dry and there were no significant crosswinds during the landing. He emphasised the importance of refraining from speculation about the cause, stating, “This is an active investigation. It’s very early on, and it’s really important we don’t speculate.”
#Delta plane crash. Likely runway iced up. Sct. snow, 40mph wind, blowing snow=ground blizzard. MSP is #1 in world with over 1 billion in snow/ice equip. That reflects importance. Pilots likely had zero control. If plane had issue, would've known on approach. #speculation pic.twitter.com/dLsbvHfr1c
— Sam Ryan (@SamRyanWX) February 17, 2025
John Nelson, a passenger seated in row ten, recounted the terrifying experience. Nelson described a routine approach until a sudden, severe impact caused the plane to skid sideways and ultimately flip over. Nelson recalled, “It was mass chaos. I was upside down… we could smell jet fuel.” He also mentioned a subsequent explosion after evacuation, which emergency services promptly contained.
Operational impact and investigation
Following the incident, two runways at Toronto Pearson were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation, resulting in delays and multiple flight diversions to nearby airports, including MontrĂ©al-Trudeau and Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier. By 5:00 pm EST, the airport resumed departures and arrivals, although some operational disruptions persisted. Flint acknowledged the inconvenience, stating that the closures were necessary “to serve the investigation, which will be carried forward tonight and into the next several days.”
Departures and arrivals have resumed at Toronto Pearson as of 5 p.m. All 76 passengers and four crew from Delta flight 4819 were accounted for. A number of passengers were taken to local hospitals. GTAA staff are supporting families of passengers at arrivals.
— Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) February 17, 2025
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an investigation into the crash, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian expressed his concern, stating, “The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford also conveyed relief that there were no fatalities and affirmed that provincial officials are in contact with the airport and local authorities to provide any necessary assistance.
The Bombardier CRJ900LR is a regional jet designed for short to medium-haul flights, with a seating capacity of up to 90 passengers. The aircraft involved in this incident was manufactured in 2008 and had been in service for 16 years. Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, operates regional flights under the Delta Connection brand. This event represents a significant occurrence in the airline’s operational history.
