Approach Speed Focus of Accident Probe Into Overturned CRJ-900 in Toronto

Accident investigators outline the sequence of events that led to the CRJ-900 overturning upon landing.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12:28 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Wreckage of Endeavor CRJ-900 [Courtesy: TSB of Canada]

Key Takeaways:

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating a Delta Air Lines regional jet that overturned upon landing in Toronto, focusing on the aircraft's approach speed and gusty wind conditions.
The preliminary report details that the pilot flying reduced thrust after a wind gust increased airspeed, leading to a high rate of descent (over 1,000 feet per minute) and a "sink rate" alert before touchdown.
The hard landing fractured the right main landing gear, sheared off a wing which then ignited jet fuel, and caused the aircraft to roll inverted on the runway.
Despite the severe accident, all 80 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft, with some injuries but no loss of life.

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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is scrutinizing the approach speed of the Bombardier CRJ-900 in its investigation of why the aircraft overturned upon landing in Toronto last month.

During the February 17 incident, the Delta Air Lines regional jet operated by Endeavor Air was arriving from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (KMSP) when it landed hard on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) in gusty winds.