A passenger airplane experienced a severe landing at Toronto’s airport, resulting in the loss of one of its wings, a burst of flames, and the aircraft turning upside down. This incident marks the fourth major aviation mishap in North America within a mere three-week span. Despite the dramatic circumstances, all 80 passengers and crew aboard the Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis survived, with 21 individuals sustaining injuries related to the crash on Monday.
Here are some crucial details regarding the accident:
What led to the plane flipping?
Authorities and investigators have been hesitant to speculate on the reasons for the aircraft’s abrupt landing. Communications between the control tower at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and the flight’s crew were reported as normal during their approach. Additionally, airport officials noted that the weather was clear and operations were standard prior to the incident.
What aspects are authorities examining?
Aerospace experts suggest that investigators will look into several factors, including the pilot’s maneuvers, possible issues with the landing gear, or the impact of weather conditions on the hard landing.
Did high winds contribute to the incident?
Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken stated that the runway conditions were dry, and there was no crosswind present at the time of the landing. However, audio recordings revealed that air traffic control warned the pilots of a potential air flow disturbance during their final approach, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph (65 kph). John Cox, the CEO of Safety Operating Systems, an aviation safety consulting firm in Florida, added that aircraft and pilots are generally trained to handle such wind conditions when landing.
Were passengers seriously hurt?
Of the 21 individuals who required medical attention, the airport’s chief executive announced that all but two have been discharged from hospitals by Tuesday. The remaining two hospitalized passengers are not facing life-threatening injuries, according to Deborah Flint, CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Some casualties were reportedly exposed to fuel leaks during the chaos.
What was the situation like inside the aircraft?
One of the passengers recounted his terrifying experience, describing how he found himself hanging upside down, still strapped in his seat after the sudden landing. Peter Carlson said that upon unbuckling his seat belt, he hit the ceiling and detected a strong gasoline smell. He, along with another individual, assisted a mother and her young child escape from the plane before making their exit. Fire officials have indicated that most passengers were able to evacuate independently.
Who will conduct the investigation?
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will spearhead the investigation, with support from a team sent by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Is flying safe?
The occurrence of four significant aviation accidents in less than a month has heightened public anxiety regarding flight safety. Nevertheless, fatal incidents are infrequent, and U.S. airlines maintain a strong safety record. Despite recent global accidents and longstanding concerns from U.S. officials over an overwhelmed and understaffed air traffic control system, the overall safety of flying continues to be regarded as high.
