A Delta Air Lines passenger jet made a hard landing before it lost a wing, burst into flames and flipped upside down at Toronto’s airport, the fourth major aviation accident in North America in the past three weeks.
Although 21 people were injured, all 80 people on board the flight from Minneapolis survived Monday’s crash. Investigators are considering whether the pilot’s actions, potential landing gear problems or weather conditions caused the hard landing.
Here are some things to know about the crash:
What caused the airplane to flip?
Investigators and airport officials have avoided discussing what went wrong when the plane touched down.
Communication between the tower at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and the pilot was routine during the approach. Airport officials stated that Monday was a clear day with normal operations before the crash occurred.
Were strong winds a factor in the crash?
Toronto Pearson Fire Chief Todd Aitken said the runway was dry, and there were no crosswind conditions. Audio recordings indicate the control tower warned the pilots of a possible airflow “bump” on the approach. Winds were gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph).
Were the passengers badly injured?
Of the 21 people who were transported for treatment, all but two have been released from hospitals, the airport’s chief executive said Tuesday. Some of the injuries can be linked back to leaking fuel, according to airport fire officials.
Deborah Flint, CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority, said the two who remain in the hospital do not have life-threatening injuries.
Who is investigating?
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. was sending a team to assist.
Is it safe to fly?
Many people are concerned about flying safety, considering this is North America's fourth major aviation accident in less than a month. Fatal crashes remain rare, and U.S. airlines' track records are remarkably safe.
But there have been deadly crashes recently around the world and U.S. officials have been raising concerns about an overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control system for years.
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