Overturns at Toronto Pearson - several accidents last weeks
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
A Delta Connection flight overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025, marking the third significant aviation incident in North America in recent weeks.
A Delta Connection Bombardier CRJ900 overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, marking the third major aviation incident in North America in recent weeks. The plane, operating Flight 4819 from Minneapolis, landed around 2:45 p.m. EST before tipping over on the runway.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, with 17 people injured but no fatalities reported. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating the cause.
UPDATED February 21: In the aftermath, Delta Air Lines offered each passenger $30,000 in compensation, emphasizing that this gesture carried «no strings attached» and did not affect passengers' future legal rights.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on factors such as weather conditions and potential mechanical issues. At the time of the crash, the airport was experiencing blowing snow with winds gusting up to 64 km/h (40 mph) and temperatures around -8.6°C (16.5°F).
New details have emerged regarding the crew of the Delta Air Lines flight that crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday. The first officer, reportedly 26-year-old Kendal Swanson, was hired by Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary, in January 2024 and began flying after completing her training in April. Despite her recent employment, Delta stated that her flight experience exceeded minimum federal requirements and refuted claims of failed training events. The captain, hired in October 2007 by Mesaba Airlines (which later merged into Endeavor Air), has served as an active-duty captain and held roles in pilot training and safety. Both pilots are qualified and FAA-certified for their positions. The crash, involving a CRJ-900 jet operated by Endeavor Air, resulted in 21 injuries among the 80 passengers after the aircraft flipped upside down during landing amid strong crosswinds and blowing snow. Delta's CEO and Endeavor Air have denied allegations of inadequate training and diversity-based hiring, emphasizing that both pilots met or exceeded all necessary qualifications.
In recent months, North America has witnessed a series of aviation incidents, prompting concerns about air travel safety.
Delta connection flight overturns
On February 17, 2025, a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport amid snowy conditions. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, flipped upon landing and erupted in flames. Remarkably, all individuals survived, though 21 sustained injuries, with two in critical condition. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, alongside the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, is investigating the incident.
Mid-Air collision over Washington, D.C.
On February 1, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred over Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in the loss of all 67 individuals on board. Recovery operations have concluded, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.
In the aftermath of the tragic mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump faced criticism for his remarks linking the incident to diversity hiring practices within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In a press briefing following the incident, President Trump questioned the actions of the air traffic controllers and the helicopter crew, suggesting that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the FAA, supported by previous administrations, may have compromised air safety. He stated, "When you prioritize diversity over competence, you jeopardize the safety of our skies."
These comments were met with significant backlash. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg described Trump's claims as "despicable," emphasizing that DEI efforts aim to ensure equal opportunity and do not undermine safety standards.
Aviation experts and union representatives also refuted the President's assertions, highlighting that DEI policies are designed to broaden the talent pool without compromising qualifications or safety.
Further scrutiny revealed that some of the DEI policies criticized by President Trump were, in fact, introduced during his own previous administration. In 2019, the FAA announced a program to allow individuals with certain disabilities to train for air traffic control positions, aiming to create a more inclusive workforce.
Philadelphia medical jet crash
On January 31, 2025, a Learjet 55, operating as Med Jets Flight 056, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft, en route to Tijuana, went down near Roosevelt Boulevard, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Alaska commuter plane crash
On February 6, 2025, a small commuter plane en route to Nome, Alaska, crashed, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and nine passengers. The Bering Air single-engine turboprop went down under undisclosed circumstances, and investigations are ongoing.
California light aircraft collision
On February 10, 2025, two small planes collided mid-air near San Bernardino, California, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration is examining air traffic control records as part of the investigation.
These incidents have collectively resulted in the loss of 86 lives in the United States since the beginning of 2025.
