Investigators say a Delta jet descended too quickly before Toronto crash last month

Npr - Mar 20th, 2025
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The Delta Air Lines regional jet operated by Republic Airways that crash-landed and flipped over at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on February 17th was descending too fast, according to a preliminary report by Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The CRJ 900 aircraft, descending at a rate of over 1,100 feet per minute—almost twice the recommended rate—crash-landed in snowy conditions and strong winds. Despite the plane flipping over and catching fire after the right landing gear fractured, all 80 people on board survived, although 21 were injured, two seriously. The incident occurred during the final approach phase of a flight that had departed uneventfully from Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.

The TSB's preliminary findings highlight that the plane's descent rate exceeded the aircraft's operating manual's definition of a hard landing. The aircraft was also banking at a 7.1° angle to the right, possibly contributing to the crash dynamics when the right wing scraped the ground, breaking off and releasing jet fuel that ignited. The report does not clarify why the plane was descending so rapidly or the impact of the gusty winds, leaving these questions for the final investigative report expected in about a year. This incident underscores the critical importance of adherence to landing protocols and the potential influence of adverse weather conditions on flight safety.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a factual and timely account of the Delta Air Lines regional jet crash, supported by authoritative sources like the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. It accurately reports the incident details, including the descent rate, survival outcomes, and preliminary findings. However, the story could benefit from clarification regarding the flight operator and more diverse perspectives, such as passenger accounts or expert insights. While the article is clear and accessible, it lacks engagement elements and does not explore broader implications for aviation safety. Overall, it serves as a reliable source of information for those interested in aviation incidents but offers limited depth in terms of analysis and impact.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the main facts of the Delta Air Lines regional jet crash, including the date, location, and outcome of the incident. The claim that the plane was descending at a rate of more than 1,100 feet per minute, nearly twice the recommended rate for a hard landing, is consistent with the preliminary findings from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). The details about the survival and injuries of the passengers, as well as the origin of the flight, align with available reports. However, there is a discrepancy regarding the flight operator, as the story mentions Republic Airways, while other sources indicate Endeavor Air operated the flight. This inconsistency slightly affects the overall accuracy. The report's reliance on data from the flight data recorder also supports the factual basis of the story. Overall, the article is well-supported by the available evidence, though the operator detail needs clarification.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the technical aspects of the crash, such as the descent rate and the condition of the aircraft upon landing. It provides a factual recount of the event without delving into speculative or emotional narratives. However, it lacks perspectives from the passengers or crew, which could offer a more comprehensive view of the incident's impact. Additionally, the article does not explore the implications of the crash on airline safety regulations or industry practices, which would provide a broader context. The focus on the TSB's preliminary findings ensures a factual basis, but the inclusion of more diverse viewpoints could enhance the balance of the report.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the sequence of events leading to the crash. It uses straightforward language to explain technical aspects, such as the descent rate and the definition of a hard landing, making it accessible to a general audience. The logical flow from the flight's origin to the crash details ensures readers can follow the narrative without confusion. However, the article could benefit from a clearer explanation of the potential impact of the strong winds mentioned, as this aspect is briefly touched upon but not fully explored.

8
Source quality

The primary source of information in the article is the preliminary report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, a credible and authoritative source for aviation incidents. The use of this official report lends significant credibility to the article. However, the article does not mention any other sources or expert opinions, which could strengthen the reliability of the information provided. The reliance on a single source is a limitation, but given the authoritative nature of the TSB, the source quality remains high.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reliance on the TSB's preliminary report, explicitly mentioning the source of its information. However, it does not provide details on the methodology used by the TSB to arrive at its conclusions, such as how the descent rate was measured or the specific data analyzed from the flight data recorder. The lack of explanation regarding why the cockpit voice recorder information was not released is another transparency issue. While the article is clear about the source of its information, more context about the investigative process would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.startribune.com/preliminary-report-right-landing-gear-part-fractured-folded-in-delta-crash-in-toronto/601240100
  2. https://www.fox9.com/news/delta-plane-crash-toronto-preliminary-report
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Connection_Flight_4819
  4. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/20/delta-air-lines-jet-that-went-bellyup-in-toronto-has-fast-descent-warning-triggered