A report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has shed light on the concerning circumstances surrounding the crash landing of a Delta Air Lines aircraft in Toronto last month. Details from this preliminary investigation reveal that the plane was descending excessively fast, nearly double the threshold classified as a "hard landing."
According to the report, moments before touchdown, a warning for an over-speed descent activated. The flight, operated by Endeavor Air, achieved a descent rate of 1,100 feet per minute, significantly exceeding the 600 feet per minute limit set forth in the operational manual for hard landings. This anomaly raises vital questions about adherence to flight protocols.
Upon landing, a component linked to the right main landing gear failed, culminating in the aircraft rolling to the right, losing its wing, and eventually igniting before coming to rest upside down on the runway. Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration, emphasized that the descent speed likely surpassed the aircraft's structural limits, suggesting a dire need for reassessment of landing protocols and aircraft integrity.
Fortunately, all 80 individuals aboard, made up of 76 passengers and four crew members, were able to exit the plane unharmed before a subsequent explosion erupted near the left wing, showcasing both the luck and preparedness that may have prevented a greater tragedy. As authorities continue in-depth investigations, these initial findings highlight areas that demand attention to ensure future passenger safety.
