A Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR aircraft, carrying 76 passengers and 4 crew members, crash-landed on the tarmac of Toronto's Pearson Airport on Monday. Originating from Minneapolis, the plane landed upside down on a snow-covered runway. The incident resulted in several injuries among passengers and crew, though fortunately, no fatalities were reported. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this unusual accident.
The crash has drawn significant attention due to its unique circumstances. Despite landing intact, the aircraft ended up inverted, a rare occurrence for large transport-category planes. J. Joseph, an aviation expert, highlighted the rarity of such incidents, stating:
“For an aircraft, particularly a large transport-category airplane, to end up in under those circumstances — upside down — is rather rare.” – J. Joseph
“It has happened in the past, but I will tell you candidly, it is very rare.” – J. Joseph
Prior to landing, the airport tower had warned the pilots of a potential air flow "bump" in their glide path. However, strong crosswinds were identified as a more significant threat than the wake turbulence from any preceding aircraft. The pilot, possessing over 30,000 hours of flying experience, faced challenging conditions, as Toronto's winter winds are known to be particularly gusty and difficult for pilots to navigate.
“Toronto in the winter with high, gusty winds, it could be very challenging.” – J. Joseph
The preservation of the plane's fuselage and the likelihood of intact "black box" cockpit voice and flight data recorders are promising for investigators. This equipment will provide crucial real-time data for understanding the crash dynamics. J. Joseph emphasized the importance of these tools in shedding light on such mishaps:
“There are going to be a lot of good data, real time, extracted from the data recorders, as well as the pilots and the flight crew being able to give statements.” – J. Joseph
“You learn a lot from mishaps and the investigation. The crux of why you do it in the first place is to preclude those types of mishaps from reoccurring.” – J. Joseph
The investigation aims to address pressing questions regarding how the plane ended up upside down post-landing. With aviation experts delving into every facet of the incident, a comprehensive understanding will be crucial in preventing future occurrences.
