Delta Air Lines Plane Crash at Toronto Pearson Airport: A Detailed Account
Introduction
On Monday afternoon, February 27, 2023, a Delta Air Lines plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) resulted in multiple passenger injuries. The incident, involving a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jetliner originating from Minneapolis, has raised concerns and sparked renewed fears about air travel safety.
Incident Details
Date: Monday, February 27, 2023
Time: Approximately 2:15 p.m. local time
Location: Runway 23 at Toronto Pearson Airport
Aircraft: Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 jet (Delta Connection Flight 4819 operated by Endeavor Air)
Passengers: 76
Crew: 4
Injuries and Medical Response
Out of the 80 individuals on board, 18 sustained injuries, including three who were critically wounded and transported to local hospitals via air ambulance:
- Two adults were taken to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center and St. Michael’s Hospital, respectively.
- A four-year-old child was transported to The Hospital for Sick Children.
Peel Regional Paramedic Services Superintendent Lawrence Saindon clarified that the remaining 15 injuries were non-life-threatening, primarily consisting of cuts and scrapes.
Crash Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has assumed responsibility for investigating the crash and will provide updates on the progress of the inquiry.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued a statement confirming that the aircraft crashed during the landing process and that all passengers and crew were evacuated safely. FAA investigators are enroute to Toronto to assist with the investigation.
Airport Operations
Toronto Pearson Airport operations were temporarily suspended following the crash, but departures and arrivals gradually resumed around 5:00 p.m. The airport confirmed the incident and stated that all aircraft passengers and crew had been accounted for.
Weather Conditions
Air traffic control recordings indicate that wind conditions at the airport during the incident included 20-30 mph winds with gusts reaching nearly 40 mph.
Witness Accounts
A helicopter pilot who witnessed the crash reported that the plane was "upside down and burning."
Reaction from Officials
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy:
"I am aware of the incident in Toronto involving a Delta Air Lines plane. FAA investigators are enroute to Toronto…I’ve been in touch with my counterpart in Canada to offer assistance and help with the investigation."
Delta Air Lines:
Fox News Digital has reached out to Delta for additional information, but the airline has not yet responded.
Context: Recent Air Travel Incidents
This incident adds to a string of recent air travel accidents, including:
- Military Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
- Jeju Air flight crashed into an airport barrier in South Korea, killing 179 people.
- Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries.
Conclusion
The Delta Air Lines plane crash at Toronto Pearson Airport is a concerning reminder of the risks associated with air travel. While the investigation is ongoing, it is crucial to prioritize passenger safety and conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
