TORONTO — In the aftermath of a dramatic landing incident involving a Delta Air Lines jet that burst into flames and flipped over at Toronto Pearson International Airport, investigators are set to evaluate a range of factors. These include the prevailing weather conditions, the potential for human error, and possible aircraft malfunctions. Aviation specialists provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the event which occurred Monday afternoon, where the flight traveling from Minneapolis landed so heavily that the right wing detached, igniting a fire.
Eyewitness accounts, along with video evidence, depict the aircraft making a forceful descent, with its right main gear collapsing upon impact. This led to the tail and right wing skidding along the runway before the jet ultimately rolled over. Fortunately, all 80 passengers aboard the flight survived the ordeal, although 21 individuals suffered injuries – most of whom have since been discharged from medical facilities. Deborah Flint, the CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, expressed her gratitude during a press briefing, emphasizing the crew’s role in assisting with a safe evacuation.
As investigators begin their work, initial communications between the pilots and the control tower were reported to be normal. The specific cause of the incident involving the Mitsubishi CRJ-900 aircraft, manufactured by Bombardier, remains uncertain. Experts analyzing the event will look into the conditions at the airport, including the pilot’s maneuvers prior to landing and the functioning of the landing gear. The investigation is being spearheaded by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Preliminary analysis by aviation expert Juan Browne indicated that the speed and descent rate of the aircraft were within acceptable limits, though he raised questions regarding the maneuvers taken by the pilots. Browne suggested that the crew failed to execute a proper flare, a maneuver crucial for reducing descent speed before landing, which resulted in a harsh touchdown.
During the landing, Toronto was experiencing adverse weather, including blowing snow and strong winds gusting up to 40 mph. These conditions have the potential to impact visibility and complicate landing procedures. Additionally, Michael McCormick, an assistant professor specializing in air traffic management, commented on the scrutiny that will extend to the aircraft’s landing gear and overall staffing levels, assessing the readiness of personnel involved in the flight and ground operations.
While Canadian investigators remain cautious about speculations regarding the accident’s origins, they have begun detailed examinations of the aircraft wreckage and runway conditions. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been retrieved and will undergo analysis to identify any discrepancies or anomalies preceding the landing.
Survivor Peter Carlson, who was in Toronto for a paramedic conference, described the harrowing experience as “very forceful”, stating that everything suddenly felt chaotic before he found himself upside down, still restrained by his seatbelt. This incident highlighted the advances made in aviation safety, which some experts attributed to structural design aimed at minimizing explosion risks, the training of flight personnel, and robust seat designs enhancing passenger safety during impacts.
Concerns regarding flight safety have arisen given this incident marks the fourth significant aviation catastrophe in North America within a short period. Recent events include a fatal collision involving a commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter, a medical transport plane crash, and another incident in Alaska.
Despite the frequency of these tragedies, industry experts like Jeff Guzzetti insist air travel remains “extremely safe.” He emphasized that the probability of suffering injury or fatality in a commercial airline accident is significantly lower than that of personal vehicle accidents. However, Guzzetti raised alarms about potential staffing cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration, indicating that such changes could exacerbate safety risks.
The Delta flight’s landing clearance was issued around 2:10 p.m., with control tower communications indicating possible wind turbulence on approach. Despite the challenging conditions, aviation professionals assert that commercial aircraft are designed to withstand such environmental challenges, and pilots are trained to navigate adverse weather.
Survivor Carlson recounted the moments following the crash, where the cabin filled with the smell of fuel, urging everyone to evacuate swiftly. Along with another passenger, he helped a mother and her child escape, prioritizing the need to exit the aircraft as quickly as possible.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing safety protocols within the industry.
