Delta Flight 4819, a CRJ900 twin-jet aircraft operated by Endeavor Air, encountered a terrifying ordeal as it crash-landed on a snow-covered runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Cleared for Runway 23, the aircraft faced tumultuous weather conditions with winds blowing at speeds up to 38 miles per hour and limited visibility due to persistent snowfall. Despite the crash, a catastrophic tragedy was narrowly averted when the plane's wing broke free, preventing a fire in the passenger cabin. Remarkably, all passengers survived, although 21 people were hospitalized with injuries.
As the plane descended onto the runway, it was battered by harsh winds and poor visibility. The skilled pilots and resilient aircraft struggled against nature's fury. The CRJ900 managed to make contact with the runway but soon found itself in an uncontrollable slide.
“Airplane just crashed (runway) 2-3,” reported a pilot on another flight witnessing the incident.
The aircraft flipped over, leaving passengers hanging upside down, suspended by their seatbelts. The design of the plane, equipped with 16G seats capable of withstanding 16 times the force of gravity, played a crucial role in safeguarding everyone onboard. As jet fuel cascaded over the windows like rain, passengers were left in shock and disbelief.
“All of a sudden, everything just kind of went sideways and then, next thing I know, it’s kind of a blink and I’m upside down, still strapped in,” recounted passenger Pete Carlson.
The quick-thinking crew, although never having landed an aircraft upside down before, managed to direct an orderly evacuation within 90 seconds. This swift response was pivotal in avoiding further injuries and preventing potential casualties.
“The absolute initial feeling is, ‘Just need to get out of this,’” Carlson added, describing his immediate instinct post-crash.
Amidst the chaos, passengers demonstrated remarkable human spirit by helping and consoling one another. Pete Carlson provided his coat to a mother with a young son, showcasing empathy and solidarity in the face of adversity.
“You can listen to the preflight all you want but when you’re suddenly upside down, rolled over, everything kind of goes out the door,” Carlson reflected on the stark reality of the situation.
The emergency response at Toronto Pearson International Airport was swift and effective. An air traffic controller alerted rescue teams promptly.
“LifeFlight 1, medevac, just so you are aware there are people outside walking around the aircraft there,” communicated an air traffic controller upon noticing movement near the crash site.
The medevac pilot confirmed,
“Yeah, we’ve got it. The aircraft is upside down and burning.”
Despite the daunting scenario, rescuers acted efficiently to ensure safety and provide medical assistance to those injured. The scene was one of controlled urgency as emergency personnel worked tirelessly to address the aftermath of the crash.
Passengers on Delta Flight 4819 were fortunate to escape a potentially deadly situation thanks to robust safety protocols and quick action from both crew and fellow travelers. While 21 individuals required hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the crash, the absence of fatalities speaks volumes about the resilience and preparedness that averted a major disaster.
