The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada has released an initial update on the investigation into the recent incident involving an Endeavor Air Mitsubishi CRJ900, operating as Delta Connection, which occurred in Toronto on February 17.
Ken Webster, manager of regional operations for Ontario at the TSB, stated that a team of over 20 investigators is examining the wreckage and gathering data to determine the causes and contributing factors. Transport Canada, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bombardier (which sold CRJ program assets to Mitsubishi in 2020), and Endeavor Air are all involved in supporting this investigation. The TSB is also coordinating with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Peel Regional Police.
The aircraft crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport while landing as Delta Air Lines Flight 4819. Videos shared online showed it swaying right before flipping over. All 76 passengers and four crew members safely evacuated despite multiple injuries reported.
Webster confirmed that “[the CRJ900] impacted the runway during landing,” leading to parts separating from the aircraft and a subsequent fire. The fuselage ended up upside down off to one side of the runway. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been sent for analysis.
Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian emphasized prioritizing care for customers and crew members affected by this event, thanking first responders for their efforts. Delta flights have resumed at Toronto-Pearson with some adjustments in aircraft size to accommodate passengers better following this incident.
