A Delta Connection flight 4819 operated by Endeavor Air has crashed during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with reports of multiple injuries. The incident, which took place on February 17, 2025, around 2:45 p.m. local time, involved the Bombardier CRJ-900, which was returning from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft upside down and partially submerged in snow as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Initial reports indicated at least three people sustained life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, all 80 individuals aboard—including 76 passengers and four crew members—were successfully evacuated. Delta confirmed, "All passengers and crew are accounted for," alleviating some of the immediate concerns about fatalities.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TBS) is now leading the investigation and has announced they will provide updates as more information becomes available. Delta Air Lines stated, "Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed during approach to Toronto Pearson International Airport," adding, "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also involved, working with Canadian authorities to find out what went wrong."
Photographs from the scene showed the CRJ-900 severely damaged, its starboard wing missing and its vertical fin sheared off. First responders were immediately deployed, and footage circulating on social media depicted individuals evacuations through emergency exits. "At least three people are critically injured," noted CTV News. Emergency personnel, including firetrucks and ambulances, surrounded the aircraft soon after it flipped onto its back on the runway.
According to flight data, flight 4819 took off from Minneapolis at 11:47 AM local time and was scheduled to land at 2:13 PM. The aircraft finally came to rest close to the intersection of Runway 23 and Runway 15, according to airport authorities, indicating the incident occurred during landing on Runway 23, where the CRJ-900 had been cleared to land.
Weather conditions at the time were particularly hazardous. Toronto was experiencing strong winds—gusting up to 40 mph—and blowing snow, which could have contributed to instability during landing. Meteorological data pointed to wind from the west at 28 knots, gusting to 35 knots. These weather factors were noted as significant, with one air traffic controller reacting live to the specific conditions: "There’s an airplane just crashed on 23,” indicating the urgency of the situation as he spoke to other pilots approaching the runway.
Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, the fact remains impressive: no fatalities have been reported. The injury spectrum includes several passengers transported to hospitals following the crash, with local healthcare facilities put on alert to manage any influx of victims. While specifics on the severity of injuries are being gathered, officials are actively monitoring the health status of those affected.
Emergency teams faced consistent challenges due to adverse weather, which initially hampered efforts to extensively assess the site. The situation required rapid deployment of additional resources, with both ambulance and trauma care teams arriving swiftly.
This incident adds to the list of mishaps involving the CRJ-900, with the Aviation Safety Network cataloging more than 100 incidents related to this aircraft type since 2005, yet noting zero fatalities from these occurrences to date. The CRJ-900, known for its operational efficiency and range, has been utilized prominently by regional airlines, such as Endeavor Air, which operates flights as part of the Delta Connection network.
The aircraft model itself, currently registered as N932XJ, was manufactured back in 2008 and encompasses 98 seats, configured with 12 business-class accommodations and 64 economy seats—reinforcing its common use for regional flights.
While reports on the incident remain limited, and investigations are underway, the airline community is reviewing safety protocols for landing procedures, especially concerning adverse climatic conditions. Flight safety procedures and their efficacy will undoubtedly come under scrutiny as the TBS reviews the factors leading to today's crash and incidents of this nature both locally and internationally.
Media outlets will continue to keep the public updated on developments as more information is released. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers involved with air travel, particularly during turbulent weather conditions, reminding passengers and operators alike of the importance of rigorous safety measures throughout all phases of flight.