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Toronto Flight Flips Over: Experts Discuss Evacuation
On Monday, a Delta flight experienced an unusual incident when it flipped over upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900, had 80 passengers on board, and the incident led to 18 injuries, ranging from minor to moderate. Experts have pointed out the crucial role of engineering, the size of the aircraft, and seatbelts in preventing more severe injuries during the incident.
Onboard video of the passenger evacuation from the Delta crash in Toronto#delta #Toronto #planecrash pic.twitter.com/fBEnsqDXuk
— 🇺🇸 Craig 🇺🇸 (@craigsgoji) February 17, 2025
Aircraft Engineering and Passenger Safety
Mike McCormick, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explained that aircraft are designed to handle such rare events. The structural elements, including wings and tail, are built to break off in a tip-over, while seats can withstand impacts up to 16 times the force of gravity. This design ensures passengers remain strapped in their seats during such incidents, minimizing the risk of injury.
Role of Flight Crew and Emergency Procedures
The swift evacuation of passengers from the flipped aircraft highlighted the importance of flight crew training. Despite the high-profile crashes this year, experts like McCormick maintain that aviation is currently in its safest era. The flight crew’s ability to quickly and efficiently evacuate passengers during the emergency showcased their critical role beyond serving refreshments.
Small Size of Aircraft and Injury Minimization
Arnold Barnett, an aviation safety expert from MIT, noted that the small size of the CRJ900 jet played a role in reducing the severity of injuries. The cabin height of roughly 6 feet meant passengers did not fall far when the plane flipped. The prompt actions of the flight crew and first responders also helped prevent a fire, which is a significant concern in such incidents.
Lessons for Airline Passengers
Najm Meshkati from the University of Southern California emphasized the importance of seatbelt usage for passenger safety. He advised passengers to think about their surroundings before releasing their seatbelts in a flipped aircraft. Emergency procedures and modern aircraft’s structural design are key factors contributing to the high survival rates in such incidents. The rapid response by emergency crews at Toronto Airport also played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the passengers.
