Delta Air Lines Crash at Toronto Pearson: What Do We Know So Far?

Nearly two weeks after Delta Air Lines crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport, investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the accident. Here’s what we know so far:

Delta Air Lines Crash: What happened?

On February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed, overturned, and caught fire while attempting to land. Video footage captured the CRJ900 twin-jet’s rear landing gear collapsing, followed by the right wing shearing off in a fiery explosion. The aircraft skidded on its belly before flipping over, sending smoke and snow into the air.

Miraculously, all 80 passengers and crew survived. However, 21 individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment, and the last hospitalized passenger was released by February 20. One passenger, John Nelson, described the impact as “super hard” and said he still smelled like jet fuel hours later.

By February 18, the wreckage of Delta Air Lines Crash was barely recognizable, covered in snow, with the left wing crumpled and the right wing missing. The aircraft was removed from the site by February 19. Delta CEO Ed Bastian commended the professionalism of the crew and first responders, while Toronto Pearson CEO Deborah Flint credited the quick response for preventing loss of life.

Delta has since offered $30,000 in compensation to each passenger, assuring that accepting the payment would not impact any legal claims. Meanwhile, efforts continue to identify and sort through passengers’ baggage, with some items undergoing decontamination due to jet fuel exposure.

Passenger Accounts

Passengers described terrifying moments during the crash. Pete Koukov recalled, “We were upside down, hanging like bats.” Another passenger, Pete Carlson, said he unbuckled his seatbelt only to crash onto what had become the new floor. Some passengers suffered from back sprains, head lacerations, and nausea due to jet fuel fumes.

The cause of the Delta Air Lines crash remains under investigation. The cockpit voice and flight data recorders have been recovered and are undergoing analysis. Investigators are examining video footage, which suggests the aircraft did not perform the usual “flare” maneuver before landing, a technique that helps slow the plane down.

Weather conditions may have played a role, as the crash occurred on a gusty day following heavy snowfall. An air traffic controller had reported winds of 26 mph, with gusts up to 38 mph, blowing at a 40-degree angle across the runway. However, airport officials stated that the runway was dry at the time of the incident.

Aviation experts have suggested that rapidly changing conditions may have contributed to the accident. Some analysts believe the right wing’s failure, combined with the left wing’s lift, caused the plane to overturn upon landing.

The runway where the crash occurred remained closed for several days, with investigators thoroughly examining the site. More than 20 specialists have been involved in analyzing the wreckage. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation, with support from the US National Transportation Safety Board.

A String of Recent Air Disasters

This crash is part of a series of aviation disasters in North America. In early February, 10 people died in an Alaskan regional plane crash. Late January saw a devastating midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing 67 people. A medevac jet crash in Philadelphia shortly after claimed seven lives. December also saw fatal air accidents in South Korea and Kazakhstan.

Toronto Pearson International Airport’s last major accident occurred in 2005, when an Air France flight skidded off the runway and burst into flames. Fortunately, all 309 people on board survived.

Authorities continue to analyze data from the flight recorders and other evidence to determine the exact cause of the crash. While initial findings point to weather and landing execution, more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

Sources:

• CNN

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’