Chaos unfolded at Toronto Pearson International Airport when a Delta Airlines flight crash-landed, sending shockwaves through air traffic control and passengers alike.
The terrifying moment was captured in real-time, as air traffic controllers scrambled to understand what had happened and coordinate emergency response efforts.
The incident occurred on February 17 when Delta Airlines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, was on its final approach from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to Toronto Pearson.
Passengers onboard had no warning of what was about to unfold as the aircraft descended toward the runway amid challenging weather conditions.
Winds were reported at approximately 40 mph, adding an additional layer of difficulty to the already complex landing procedure.
As the plane approached, communications between the pilots and air traffic controllers seemed routine, with clearance given to land despite turbulent conditions.
However, within moments, the tone of the conversation shifted drastically as an air traffic controller’s voice crackled over the radio: “This airplane just crashed.”
In another chilling transmission, a controller describes the aftermath: “We’ve got an aircraft that is upside down and burning.”
Confusion and urgency dominated the airwaves as officials tried to assess the situation, while stunned passengers inside the cabin were coming to terms with what had just happened.
Among them was Peter Koukov, who later shared his experience, recalling the sheer disorientation and fear that took hold in those first few moments.
“We hit the ground and we were sideways, and then we were hanging upside down like bats,” he said, describing the impact and the overwhelming shock that followed.
Inside the aircraft, the panic was palpable, with passengers scrambling to find an escape route while the emergency crew worked swiftly to evacuate the plane.
Despite the severity of the accident, all 76 passengers and four crew members survived, a fact that many are calling nothing short of a miracle.
However, at least 18 individuals sustained injuries, with three passengers, including a four-year-old child, listed in critical condition.
Emergency services responded within minutes, rushing the injured to local hospitals while securing the aircraft and ensuring passenger safety.
As the reality of what had just happened settled in, Delta Airlines quickly issued a statement addressing the crash.
“Initial reports were that there are no fatalities. Several customers with injuries were transported to area hospitals. Our primary focus is taking care of those impacted,” the airline shared.
Delta’s CEO, Ed Bastian, also released a statement, expressing concern and appreciation for the emergency responders and Delta’s incident response team.
Operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport were temporarily halted following the accident but resumed later that evening.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, in collaboration with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, has launched a full-scale investigation.
A major focus of the investigation is the Bombardier CRJ-900LR aircraft, a regional jet that has been widely used by Delta Connection.
Authorities are looking into whether the severe weather conditions played a role in the aircraft losing control and flipping upside down upon landing.
For those wanting to hear the chilling air traffic control exchanges firsthand, recordings have surfaced online, painting a vivid picture of the unfolding crisis.
With the investigation underway, officials are working to uncover the exact cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Featured Image Credit: (CNN)
