A Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ900LR, operating as Flight 4819 from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport on the 17th of February 2025. The aircraft, registered as N932XJ, came to rest on its roof after reportedly encountering challenging crosswinds during its final approach.

The incident occurred at 14:13 local time (19:13 UTC), with initial reports indicating wind gusts of up to 35-knots from the west, while the aircraft was landing on Runway 23 — oriented more toward the south. Wet and icy conditions may have further reduced the aircraft’s effective crosswind limits, which are typically around 25-knots for this type of jet.

Passengers Safe, But Injuries Reported

All 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated however at the time of publication we understand at least three are critically injured. Emergency services arrived within minutes, swiftly extinguishing any potential fire risks by blanketing the aircraft with foam. According to local authorities, several passengers were transported to nearby hospitals.

Images from the scene show significant damage to the aircraft, including detached wings and a collapsed landing gear. Despite the severity of the event, quick action from the emergency response teams helped avoid a more catastrophic outcome.

Second CRJ Series Incident

This marks the second major incident involving a Bombardier CRJ series aircraft this year. In January, an American Airlines CRJ700, operating as Flight 5342, crashed into the Potomac River while approaching Washington Reagan National Airport after being struck by a US Army Black Hawk helicopter.

While it’s too early to draw conclusions about any connection between these events, the CRJ Series' performance in adverse weather conditions will likely come under increased scrutiny.

FlightRadar24 Findings

Upon reviewing FlightRadar24 playback data, coverage ceases at 575 feet, with the aircraft descending at a rate of -1,024 feet per minute. The typical descent rate for a CRJ900 series aircraft is between 500 and 600 feet per minute.

While it is not possible to determine the cause from this data alone, a sudden shift in wind direction or wind shear may have influenced the descent. More information will become available when investigators retrieve and analyse the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

Awaiting Official Findings

As investigations begin after the emergency response, more details about the exact cause of this unusual and concerning event will come to light.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as official information becomes available.