On February 17, a Delta Air Lines jet experienced a harrowing incident as it attempted to land in Toronto, flipping upside down and bursting into flames. A preliminary report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) was released on Thursday, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this alarming crash-landing.
The TSB report indicates that the aircraft's alert system registered a critical situation just 2.6 seconds prior to touchdown, indicating a high rate of descent. At that moment, the jet was traveling at an airspeed of 136 knots, which translates to approximately 250 kilometers per hour (or 155 mph). This alarming data highlights the urgency of the situation the pilots faced.
As the aircraft made contact with the runway, its landing gear unexpectedly folded into the retracted position. This malfunction ultimately led to the detachment of the wing from the fuselage, resulting in a release of jet fuel that ignited, causing a significant fire.
Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, all 76 passengers and the four crew members aboard survived the incident. However, 21 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the evacuation. Fortunately, all hospitalized passengers were released within days, reflecting the effectiveness of the emergency response.
The TSB continues to investigate various aspects of the incident, focusing on key areas such as the metallurgical examination of the wing structure, landing techniques, pilot training, and the passenger evacuation process. These factors are crucial in determining the root cause of the incident and ensuring future safety.
In the aftermath of the crash, at least two lawsuits have been filed in the United States, and a Canadian law firm has reported that it is representing several affected passengers. This legal action underscores the serious concerns surrounding the incident and the desire for accountability from the airline.
In response to the preliminary report, Delta Air Lines has chosen not to comment directly on the findings. The airline stated, “We remain fully engaged as participants in the investigation led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Out of respect for the integrity of this work that will continue through their final report, Endeavor Air and Delta will refrain from comment.” This statement highlights the airline's commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
As the TSB continues its inquiry into this significant incident, the aviation community and passengers alike await further updates that may enhance understanding and improve safety measures in the future.
