Delta plane crashes in Toronto after high-speed landing gear collapse

In Canada, a Delta Air Lines regional jet encountered a serious incident on February 17 while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released a preliminary report indicating a high rate of descent prior to the crash, which resulted in flames and the plane flipping upside down. As the aircraft descended at more than 18 feet per second, significantly above the landing gear's design threshold, a high-speed warning alarm sounded just 2.6 seconds before touchdown. The plane's right main landing gear fracturing led to the right wing detaching and a subsequent fire due to the release of jet fuel, complicating the emergency situation. The crash resulted in 21 injuries among the 80 individuals on board, including serious injuries to a few passengers. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, all passengers and crew survived. Upon landing, the aircraft rolled upside down, causing several passengers to struggle with their seatbelts during evacuation due to being inverted. Some passengers suffered injuries as they unbuckled and fell towards the ceiling of the aircraft. The crew faced difficulties as well; the cockpit door jammed, forcing them to utilize an emergency hatch for escape. Further investigation by the TSB is examining key areas, including pilot training, landing techniques, and the evacuation process. Weather conditions on the day of the incident included gusting winds and blowing snow, which posed challenges during the landing approach. Expert analysis highlighted that while the aircraft was facing significant weather, professional pilots should normally manage those conditions effectively. However, details about the actions taken by the flight crew during the descent remain unclear. There was no indication of pre-existing mechanical issues with the aircraft, as stated in the report. Following the incident, Delta Air Lines expressed their commitment to the ongoing investigation, emphasizing their support for the findings by the TSB. In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Delta proposed compensation for the victims involved, offering $30,000 to each passenger and crew member. Legal actions have also been initiated by some survivors in the United States and Canada, indicating a potential backlash against the airline as investigations proceed. The TSB is expected to release a complete report detailing the accident's causes and providing recommendations for preventing such incidents in the future.