‘Hanging like bats’: Passengers recall pure terror as Delta plane flips

Passengers aboard the Delta Air Lines jet that crashed at Toronto’s Pearson Airport on Monday recounted the horrifying moment they found themselves hanging upside down after the plane flipped upon landing. Survivors described the panic as they scrambled to escape the overturned aircraft, with one saying, “We were upside down hanging like bats.”

Moments of terror and escape

Passengers recalled that the flight seemed normal until the plane suddenly flipped, tumbled, and slammed into the tarmac, igniting a fireball. John Nelson, one of the travelers, described the eerie silence before realizing he had to unbuckle his seatbelt and fall to the ceiling—now the floor—to escape. Others rushed toward emergency exits as flight attendants urged them to leave belongings behind.

A miraculous survival

Despite the horrifying impact, all 80 people on board survived, though 18 suffered injuries. Emergency responders quickly arrived, spraying foam on the aircraft as smoke billowed from the fuselage. Peter Carlson, a paramedic and passenger, said teamwork among crew and passengers helped ensure a safe evacuation. “Everyone on that plane suddenly became very close,” he said.

Unanswered questions remain

The cause of the crash remains a mystery. The Delta flight was cleared for landing, and communications with the control tower were normal. Aviation safety experts noted that strong winds and blowing snow could have played a role, but they were surprised to see the aircraft flipped completely on its roof. Investigators are now analyzing flight data and the missing right wing to determine what went wrong.

Fourth major crash in weeks

This marks the fourth major North American aviation accident in three weeks, following deadly crashes in Washington, Philadelphia, and Alaska. While this latest incident resulted in no fatalities, it raises renewed concerns about air travel safety. Investigations led by Canadian authorities, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, will work to determine the exact cause.

Relief but lasting trauma

For those on board, the ordeal remains difficult to process. While many expressed gratitude to be alive, survivors admitted they are still shaken by the experience. “It’s amazing we’re still here,” Nelson said. “But I’m stressed, nervous, shaky still.”