The recent crash of a Delta flight at Toronto Pearson International Airport has raised concerns about aviation safety, but experts say that the engineering and design of the aircraft, as well as the swift response of the cabin crew, likely played a significant role in minimizing injuries. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, flipped over upon landing, but all 80 people on board were evacuated, with 18 injuries reported, most of which were minor to moderate. The incident is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
According to experts, the structural elements of an aircraft are designed to withstand extreme pressures, including the force of a crash. The seats are designed to remain in place even when the plane is upside down, which is why passengers are instructed to keep their seatbelts fastened during takeoff and landing. The cabin crew's training and experience also played a crucial role in the evacuation, with crew members helping passengers to exit the plane quickly and safely. The safety record of the aviation industry is impressive, with experts noting that this is the safest time in aviation history, despite recent high-profile crashes.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with officials reviewing audio recordings from the air traffic control tower and ground crews. The recordings show that the tower warned the pilots of a possible air flow "bump" in the glide path, but there were no further conversations with the Delta flight until the tower confirmed that a plane had crashed. The airport was expecting a busy day, with over 130,000 travelers expected to board about 1,000 flights, but the crash caused significant disruptions, with departures and arrivals shut down temporarily. The response of the emergency services was swift, with multiple ambulances and air ambulance helicopters dispatched to the scene.
Several stakeholders have commented on the incident, including Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand, who said she is closely following the "serious incident." Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed relief that all passengers and crew were accounted for, and thanked the first responders, crew, and airport staff for their quick actions. The incident has also raised questions about the design and safety features of aircraft, with experts noting that planes are engineered to withstand extreme pressures, including the force of a crash. The investigation is expected to provide more information about the cause of the crash and any potential safety concerns.
In terms of statistical data, here are some key points:
* 80 people were on board the plane
* 18 injuries were reported, most of which were minor to moderate
* 3 people were taken to hospital with critical injuries
* The plane was a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, with a capacity for 95 seats
* The airport was expecting over 130,000 travelers to board about 1,000 flights on the day of the crash
* The incident caused significant disruptions, with departures and arrivals shut down temporarily. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the cause of the crash and any potential safety concerns.