Nearly a year after a harrowing plane crash at Pearson International Airport left 21 passengers injured, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is still piecing together the puzzle. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite extensive investigations, the TSB insists it’s ‘too early to draw conclusions’ about what caused the fiery crash of a Delta Air Lines flight operated by Endeavor Air. On February 17, 2025, the Minnesota-bound aircraft skidded belly-up across the tarmac, breaking apart and igniting a blaze that sent shockwaves through the aviation community.
When the plane touched down, its wing and tail section fractured, and a fire erupted on the runway. Of the 80 people on board, 21 were hospitalized, raising urgent questions about safety protocols and aircraft integrity. In a series of striking images, the investigation’s progress is documented, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous process. (https://www.cp24.com/photos/2025/02/17/plane-crashes-at-toronto-pearson/)
‘This is a Class 2 occurrence, and the investigation is ongoing,’ the TSB stated on Thursday. ‘We’re analyzing every detail, from the aircraft’s wreckage to the crew’s actions, but we’re not rushing to judgment.’ (https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2025/a25o0021/a25o0021-preliminary.html)
As of February 12, investigators have completed a thorough metallurgical examination of the wreckage and are now conducting a detailed analysis. On-board recorders, including cockpit audio and flight data, have been downloaded and scrutinized. The TSB has also reviewed data from NAV Canada and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority’s CCTV systems to reconstruct the aircraft’s descent, evacuation, and emergency response.
A comprehensive review of the weather conditions at the time of the crash has been finalized, but this is the part most people miss: the TSB is still examining the emergency response, including evacuation routes, crew coordination, firefighting efforts, and aircraft rescue. Investigators are also comparing the Pearson incident to similar crashes worldwide, raising questions about whether this was an isolated event or part of a larger pattern.
One month after the crash, the TSB released a preliminary report after moving the CRJ-900’s wreckage to a nearby hangar. For a deeper dive into those initial findings, read more here. (https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2025/03/20/preliminary-report-on-pearson-plane-crash-released-by-tsb/)
Ken Webster, the TSB’s lead investigator, revealed that crash simulations showed the plane was within its allowable weight limits, ruling out structural stress as a primary cause. However, the investigation uncovered a series of alarming events during the crash: the cockpit door jammed shut, an explosion occurred near the left wing, and the emergency locator transmitter failed to activate.
The preliminary report also scrutinized the experience levels of the Endeavor Air crew, from pilots to flight attendants, raising questions about whether human error played a role. But here’s the real question: if the plane was operating within safe parameters, what—or who—is truly to blame?
The TSB promises a final report once the investigation concludes, vowing to alert regulators and industry leaders if any ‘significant safety deficiencies’ are found. Yet, the timeline for completion remains unclear, leaving families, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts in limbo. What do you think? Is the TSB taking too long, or is thoroughness more important than speed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
