The aircraft’s first class cabin offers a 2-1 seating layout and features such as extra legroom and universal power outlets. While inflight entertainment is not available on these short routes, passengers receive standard amenities like drinks and snacks. One Mile At A Time has noted that the first class product is comfortable for regional flights.
However, operational issues have overshadowed these positive aspects. In December 2024, Flight 3831 from Rhode Island to Detroit had to divert to Albany after losing cabin pressure at cruising altitude. The nearly 18-year-old jet was replaced by an Embraer E175 for the remainder of the journey. Passengers experienced significant delays as a result.
A few months later, another CRJ900 departing from New York JFK made an emergency landing in Cincinnati after a smoke detector alarm sounded during descent. Although it turned out to be a false alarm, such situations carry serious risks for both crew and passengers.
In February 2025, a dramatic incident occurred when Delta flight 4819 landed hard at Toronto Pearson International Airport during harsh winter weather. The plane’s landing gear failed upon touchdown; its right wing struck the ground and separated from the fuselage before the jet rolled onto its back and caught fire. All 76 passengers and four crew survived; 20 people were treated for injuries.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian commented: “The Delta and Endeavor families are grateful that all those injured Monday have been released from the hospital, and we extend our thanks to everyone who provided care to them over the past few days. We will continue to connect one-on-one with customers, employees and loved ones as we move forward to make sure their needs are met with care.”
Delta fully cooperated with Canadian authorities investigating this accident; only preliminary findings have been published so far.
Other incidents include a March event where an Endeavor Air CRJ900 struck its wing on approach into LaGuardia but landed safely on a second attempt. Most recently at LaGuardia, two CRJ900s collided while taxiing at night—one departing for Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport and another arriving from Charlotte Douglas International Airport—resulting in substantial damage but only minor injuries among crew members.
Regional jets like the CRJ900 historically have higher accident rates than mainline aircraft; however, regulatory changes by agencies such as the US Federal Aviation Administration have helped narrow this gap in recent years. Experts suggest that operational factors—including more frequent takeoffs and landings on short-haul routes—contribute significantly to risk levels among regional jets.
Pilots flying for regional airlines tend to be less experienced than those working for major carriers due to industry seniority structures. Additionally, pay scales and working conditions at smaller airlines may lead to greater fatigue or less robust safety cultures compared with mainline operators.
Regional airline training programs remain critical in developing pilot skills needed for safe operations as pilots progress toward mainline positions within larger carriers.
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