A Shocking Experience for Passengers
For most airline passengers, the pre-flight safety briefing covers how to buckle up, use an oxygen mask, and turn a seat cushion into a flotation device. However, it rarely prepares them for the possibility of being in an upside-down aircraft.
That scenario became a reality for the passengers of a Delta flight on Monday when their aircraft flipped over while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. All 80 passengers were safely evacuated, with 18 people sustaining minor to moderate injuries.
Aircraft Design and Safety Features Helped Prevent More Harm
According to aviation experts, the engineering of modern aircraft, the size of the plane, and the use of seatbelts played a crucial role in preventing more serious injuries.
Mike McCormick, associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explained that aircraft are structurally designed to handle such rare occurrences. The wings and tail are built to break off in the event of a tip-over, reducing potential damage. Additionally, passenger seats are designed to withstand forces up to 16 times the force of gravity.
“That’s why passengers are required to keep their seatbelts fastened during takeoff and landing,” McCormick said. “Without loose objects flying around, the seats are designed to keep passengers secure.”
Flight Crew’s Training Proved Critical
The professionalism and quick response of the flight crew played a major role in ensuring a safe evacuation.
“Many passengers think of flight attendants as those who serve refreshments, but their primary responsibility is passenger safety,” McCormick said. “Their training truly comes into play during emergency situations like this.”
Small Aircraft Size May Have Softened the Impact
Aviation safety expert Arnold Barnett from MIT found it surprising that the plane flipped over. However, he noted that the small size of the Bombardier CRJ900 jet may have helped limit the severity of injuries.
“The experience must have felt like a terrifying rollercoaster,” Barnett said. “But the lower cabin height—approximately 6 feet—meant passengers didn’t have far to fall when the plane overturned.”
Fire Risks Prompted Quick Evacuation
One of the most critical dangers in a crash landing is the risk of fire.
Najm Meshkati, an aviation safety expert from the University of Southern California, pointed out that the urgency of the evacuation was likely due to fire concerns. He referenced a recent crash in South Korea where a plane veered off the runway, crashed into a wall, and caught fire, resulting in 179 fatalities.
“Fire risk is always a top concern,” Meshkati said. “The quick and orderly evacuation in Toronto likely saved lives.”
First Responders and Airport Emergency Teams Acted Fast
Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, praised the emergency response team at Toronto Pearson International Airport for their efficiency in handling the situation.
“They were immediately on site, spraying the aircraft with fire-resistant foam,” Shahidi said. “Toronto Airport is known for its well-prepared emergency teams.”
He also highlighted the skill and training of the cabin crew, who managed to open the exit doors and guide passengers out despite the unusual circumstances.
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Lessons for Airline Passengers
Emergency preparedness expert and ER physician Mike Shertz emphasized that passengers should always wear their seatbelts snugly during flights.
“In a sudden stop, even a few inches of slack in the seatbelt can make the difference between hitting the seat in front or staying safely in place,” he explained.
For those who might find themselves in an upside-down aircraft, Shertz compared it to being in a flipped car: “It’s going to be massively disorienting. Before unbuckling, passengers should think about where they will land and be mindful of debris on the new ‘floor.’”
A Remarkable Outcome with No Fatalities
Despite the frightening nature of the accident, experts agree that the outcome was remarkably positive. Passengers were able to evacuate safely, and there were no fatalities.
“This could have been much worse,” Shahidi concluded. “The combination of strong aircraft design, well-trained crew, and efficient emergency response ensured that everyone walked away.”
