A Delta Air Lines regional jet experienced a catastrophic failure during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. The incident involved a CRJ-900 aircraft operated by Endeavor Airlines, which flipped upside down after its landing gear support broke, resulting in a fire and explosion. All 80 passengers and crew members survived, although 21 sustained injuries.
- Delta regional jet flipped during landing.
- Landing gear support failure caused crash.
- 21 passengers sustained injuries in incident.
- Cockpit door jammed; pilots used emergency hatch.
- Investigation may take up to 600 days.
- Delta Air Lines prioritizes customer safety.
The preliminary report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board outlines the sequence of events leading to the crash. Just before touchdown, the aircraft issued an audible alarm indicating a rapid descent. The plane banked to the right and struck the runway at a 7.5-degree angle, resulting in the right main landing gear’s side-stay fracturing. This failure caused the landing gear to retract and the right wing to detach, releasing approximately 6,000 pounds of jet fuel, which ignited and led to an explosion.
Key details from the incident include:
- All 80 passengers and crew members evacuated successfully.
- 21 individuals were injured, including two with serious injuries.
- The cockpit door jammed, forcing pilots to exit through an emergency hatch.
Investigators are currently examining various factors that may have contributed to the crash, including the materials used in the aircraft’s construction, the certification of the landing gear and wing, and pilot training protocols. The investigation aims to uncover whether multiple factors played a role in the incident, as accidents often arise from complex interrelated issues. An official determination of the probable cause may take up to 600 days.
This incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations in aviation safety. As the Transportation Safety Board continues its work, findings will contribute to improved safety measures and protocols in the airline industry.
