Emergency crews hosed down an overturned Delta plane, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, at Toronto Pearson Airport, as video from the scene revealed the aircraft resting upside down on the snowy tarmac.
A Delta Airlines plane arriving from Minneapolis flipped onto its roof at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, injuring 19 people, three critically. The airport confirmed the “incident” involving Delta flightcarrying 76 passengers and four crew members, all of whom are accounted for. The accident occurred around 3:30 p.m., according to Delta.
Video from the scene shows the Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR inverted on the snowy tarmac, with emergency crews spraying the aircraft. A winter storm had impacted Toronto over the weekend, and the plane was partially obscured by snow. Ornge air ambulance transported a pediatric patient to SickKids hospital and two critically injured adults to other Toronto hospitals.
“Emergency teams are responding,” the airport stated on X (formerly Twitter). “All passengers and crew are accounted for.”
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, weather may have been a contributing factor. Environment Canada reported blowing snow and winds of 32 mph (51 kph) gusting to 40 mph (65 kph) at the time, with a temperature of 16.5 degrees Fahrenheit (-8.6 Celsius).
Aviation safety expert John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, called such incidents “very rare,” noting that while inverted landings have occurred during takeoffs, this situation is unusual. He emphasized the CRJ900’s proven track record and pilots’ training for inclement weather, while acknowledging the windy conditions (27-35 knots, or approximately 38 mph).
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. This incident follows several other recent aviation mishaps in North America, including a fatal midair collision near Washington, D.C., a medical transport plane crash in Philadelphia, and a fatal plane crash in Alaska.
Delta stated that “initial reports were that there are no fatalities,” adding, “Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed relief on X that there were no fatalities and confirmed provincial officials are supporting the airport and local authorities.
Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary and the world’s largest CRJ-900 operator, operates 130 of these regional jets on 700 daily flights. The CRJ900, developed by Bombardier, is related to the CRJ700 involved in the recent midair collision near Reagan National Airport.