TSB Updates Investigation on Delta Airlines Crash at Toronto Pearson Airport

Almost one year following the Delta Airlines crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has provided an update on their investigation. The incident occurred on February 17, when a flight from Minneapolis, with 76 passengers and four crew members on board, attempted to land shortly after 2 p.m.

Details of the Incident

The aircraft experienced a critical failure upon landing, impacting the runway violently. This caused significant damage, including the separation of a wing and the tail section, which subsequently led to a substantial fire. The plane flipped over and skidded along the tarmac, igniting in flames.

Evacuation and Casualties

Thanks to the swift response of the cabin crew, all individuals on board were able to evacuate safely. Passengers exited through the right forward door and one of the emergency exit windows. The flight crew utilized the emergency hatch in the cockpit ceiling due to the unusable main door. In total, 21 passengers suffered injuries and required hospitalization, but fortunately, there were no fatalities.

Investigation Progress

The TSB’s ongoing investigation has seen significant developments. Key components of the aircraft wreckage, such as the right wing and landing gear, have been sent for thorough examination. A detailed study of the fracture surfaces on these critical parts has been completed, while overall analysis remains in progress.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data from all on-board recorders has been retrieved and analyzed.
• Several hours of previous flight data for the aircraft have been compared to the incident data.
• A review of weather conditions during the crash has been conducted, including analysis of wind sounds and specific wind data.
• Simulator exercises have been carried out to replicate the incident and enhance understanding.

Next Steps for TSB

The TSB is currently focusing on finalizing the analysis of various technical and operational data before drafting the final investigation report. However, the agency has not specified when this report will be made public.

As the investigation continues, the TSB is committed to uncovering the factors that led to this serious incident, aiming to ensure safety improvements in the aviation industry.