The crash of a Delta Air Lines plane in Toronto marks the fourth major aviation disaster in North America within the past month. Here’s an overview of each tragic incident:
Delta Plane Flips During Landing in Toronto
On Monday, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis flipped during its landing at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, injuring at least 17 people. The flight, a Mitsubishi CRJ-900LR, had 80 passengers and crew members aboard, all of whom are accounted for.
Ornge air ambulance transported a child to SickKids Hospital and two critically injured adults to other hospitals.
The incident occurred amid heavy snow and gusty winds, with temperatures around -8.6°C (16.5°F). The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will oversee the investigation. Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary, operates the aircraft, which is one of the most commonly used regional jets in the world.
Alaska Commuter Plane Crash Kills 10
On February 6, a small commuter plane en route to Nome crashed, killing the pilot and nine passengers. The Bering Air Cessna Caravan, a single-engine turboprop, disappeared about an hour after departure. It was later found on the sea ice about 30 miles southeast of Nome, following a search. The crash occurred in light snow and fog, with temperatures at -8.3°C (17°F).
The victims included workers on a business trip, a retired teacher, and a person traveling for a medical appointment. These short-hop flights are critical for residents in remote Alaskan communities.
Philadelphia Air Ambulance Crash Claims Seven Lives
On January 31, a medical transport jet, carrying a child patient, her mother, and four others, crashed into a busy Philadelphia neighborhood, killing seven. The Learjet 55 crashed just a minute after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, bursting into flames and impacting several homes.
The jet, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was returning the child, who had undergone treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital. Tragically, a father in his car was also killed in the crash. The crash left 19 others injured.
Helicopter and Plane Collision Near Washington Kills 67
On January 29, a midair collision between an Army helicopter and a regional jet near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 deaths. The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during its descent. Both aircraft fell into the Potomac River, killing everyone on board.
The incident marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since 2001. Among the victims were members of the Skating Club of Boston, hunters, students, parents, and several other individuals. The collision has led to an ongoing investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns for aviation safety as authorities work to understand and prevent further tragedies.