On February 17, 2025, a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis to Toronto experienced a severe landing incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900LR operated by Endeavor Air, overturned upon landing amid challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and snow.
All 80 individuals on board survived, though 18 sustained injuries, with three reported in critical condition. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an investigation into the accident.
In the immediate aftermath, air traffic control communications captured the urgency of the situation. Controllers alerted emergency services, noting the aircraft was upside down and on fire. Passengers were observed evacuating the plane, with some walking around the wreckage.
Emergency responders, including MedEvac units, were promptly dispatched to assist.
The incident led to a temporary suspension of operations at Toronto Pearson Airport, with flights halted as emergency crews addressed the situation. Normal operations resumed later in the evening. Delta Air Lines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed concern for those affected and gratitude toward the responders.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also acknowledged the swift actions of first responders and airport staff.
Footage from the scene depicted passengers evacuating through emergency exits, assisted by crew members, amidst the overturned and damaged aircraft. The fuselage was compromised, with debris scattered across the snow-covered runway. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the aircraft overturned upon landing around 2:45 p.m. local time. Delta has established a Passenger Inquiry Center for families seeking information and has canceled flights to and from Toronto Pearson for the remainder of the evening, issuing travel waivers for those impacted.
Aviation experts have noted the rarity of such incidents, emphasizing the CRJ900’s reliability and the proficiency of the emergency response, which contributed to the absence of fatalities. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
For a visual account of the incident, including air traffic control audio and passenger evacuation footage, refer to the following video:
