Introduction
On 17 February 2025, a Delta Connection CRJ-900LR, operated by Endeavor Air, registration N932XJ, performing flight DL-4819 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Toronto (YYZ), suffered a catastrophic landing accident at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport. Upon touchdown on Runway 23, the aircraft experienced a hard landing with structural failure of the right main landing gear, causing the aircraft to flip over and come to rest inverted.
Miraculously, all 80 occupants survived. One person sustained critical injuries, and 20 others received minor injuries. A full-scale investigation was launched by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), with the support of the U.S. NTSB.
Flight & Accident Overview
• Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-900LR (CL-600-2D24)
• Operator: Endeavor Air for Delta Connection
• Registration: N932XJ
• Flight Number: DL-4819
• Route: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) → Toronto Pearson (YYZ)
• Date: 17 February 2025
• Occupants: 80 (76 passengers, 4 crew)
• Location: Runway 23, Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ)
• Final Outcome: Hard landing, right main gear collapse, aircraft overturned and came to rest inverted, significant structural breakup
Sequence of Events
1. Final Approach
• The aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 23. Wind conditions included strong gusts, prompting the crew to fly the approach at 149 knots (VREF +10).
• At 500 feet AGL, the autopilot was disengaged. The aircraft was stable with centred localiser and glideslope.
• A performance-increasing wind gust resulted in airspeed spike, prompting the PF to reduce thrust. N1 dropped from 64% to 43%, and descent rate increased to over 1,100 fpm.
2. Touchdown & Structural Failure
• At 50 feet AGL, EGPWS called “Fifty.” The aircraft was banked right at ~7.5° and descending rapidly.
• Just before touchdown, a “Sink Rate” warning was heard. The aircraft touched down with 3G impact on the right main gear.
• The side-stay fractured, the gear collapsed, and the right wing detached from the fuselage, rupturing the fuel tank and starting a fire.
• The aircraft then rolled onto its back, slid inverted, and came to rest near the intersection of Runways 23 and 15L.
3. Evacuation & Injuries
• Despite the severe structural damage and fire, all occupants were evacuated.
• 21 people were injured, including 2 with serious injuries. Emergency services responded within minutes.
Investigation Findings (Preliminary)
1. Landing Gear Collapse
• The initial impact on the right MLG caused the side-stay to fracture, leading to gear retraction and wing detachment.
• Jet fuel was released and ignited, consistent with post-impact fire damage.
2. Wind Conditions & Approach Management
• The landing was conducted in gusty wind conditions with blowing snow and limited visibility.
• Runway surface conditions included compacted snow and light dry snow accumulation, per NOTAMs and METARs.
• The descent rate was excessive in the final seconds before touchdown, exceeding safe limits.
3. Aircraft Performance & Handling
• The thrust reduction, paired with a rapid sink rate and increasing bank angle, contributed to an unstable final segment.
• Bank angle at touchdown exceeded 7°, causing asymmetrical loading.
4. Runway Conditions
• Runway 23 was covered with dry and compacted snow. Blowing snow further reduced visibility and possibly affected pilot depth perception.
Technical Considerations
• CRJ-900 Landing Gear Design
• The CRJ-900’s MLG is designed with structural tolerances but can fail under high-load, off-centre landings.
• Investigators will examine fracture surfaces of the gear and wing root area.
• EGPWS Performance
• The timely alerts (“Sink Rate”) suggest that onboard safety systems functioned correctly but were not heeded quickly enough to correct the descent profile.
• Pilot Actions
• The reduction of thrust following a wind gust may have led to a rapid loss of lift. Engine thrust remained low through touchdown, removing margin for a go-around.
Aftermath & Operational Impact
• Runway Closure
• Runway 05/23 was closed for over 24 hours for debris removal and safety inspections.
• Significant disruptions occurred at Pearson Airport, with diversions and delays reported.
• Aircraft Damage
• The aircraft is considered a total loss. Major components including the right wing, MLG, and empennage were destroyed or detached.
• The CVR and FDR were recovered and sent to the TSB for analysis.
• Regulatory Response
• The TSB is leading the investigation with NTSB support under ICAO Annex 13 protocols.
• Investigators are reviewing pilot training, SOP adherence, weather planning, and gear component integrity.
Conclusion
On 17 February 2025, Delta flight DL-4819 suffered a catastrophic landing accident in Toronto, Canada, after a hard touchdown led to structural failure of the right main landing gear, wing detachment, and the aircraft overturning. All 80 occupants survived, though 21 sustained injuries.
Preliminary findings point to a high descent rate, gusty winds, and loss of thrust margin as contributing factors. The investigation continues, focusing on structural analysis, pilot decision-making, and environmental conditions at the time of the accident.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 20 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
