In a harrowing incident on February 17, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto Pearson International Airport crash-landed, flipping upside down upon impact. Among the passengers was reality television star Kim Kardashian, who provided a gripping account of the events leading up to the crash.
A Routine Flight Turns Perilous
Delta Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at approximately 11:47 a.m. local time. The Bombardier CRJ-900LR aircraft was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members. The journey proceeded uneventfully until the approach to Toronto Pearson International Airport.
As the plane began its descent, passengers noticed a change in the cabin environment. Kim Kardashian recounted, “Everything started to become stuffy, the panic was increasing. What helped me survive until now is that I tried to hold on.” The atmosphere grew tense as the aircraft encountered heavy snowfall and strong winds, remnants of a massive snowstorm that had recently swept through the region. The Meteorological Service of Canada reported blowing snow with winds gusting up to 40 mph (65 kph) at the time of the incident.
The Crash Landing
At approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, the aircraft made contact with the runway. Eyewitnesses and passengers described a violent impact that caused the plane to skid before flipping onto its roof. The fuselage sustained significant damage, with one wing severely crumpled and the tail section partially sheared off. Despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities. Seventeen individuals were injured, though none critically.
Emergency response teams arrived promptly, assisting passengers as they evacuated the overturned aircraft. Video footage captured the chaotic scene, with firefighters hosing down the fuselage and helping individuals away from the wreckage. In one dramatic moment, two firefighters were seen leaping from the plane just as a section reignited, underscoring the perilous conditions they faced.
Survival Amidst Chaos
Kim Kardashian’s account sheds light on the turmoil inside the cabin during the crash. She described how passengers clung to their seats, bracing for impact as the aircraft careened out of control. “The panic was increasing,” she recalled, emphasizing the collective anxiety that permeated the cabin. Her determination to “hold on” became a mantra for survival amidst the unfolding disaster.
In the immediate aftermath, Kardashian assisted fellow passengers, helping to unbuckle seatbelts and guiding them toward emergency exits. Her actions, along with those of the flight crew and other passengers, contributed to the efficient evacuation of the aircraft. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency personnel and the resilience of her fellow travelers.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the factors that led to the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, may have played a significant role. The aircraft’s black box has been recovered, and investigators are analyzing flight data and cockpit voice recordings to piece together the sequence of events.
In the wake of the crash, Toronto Pearson International Airport temporarily suspended operations, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays. By 5:00 p.m. local time, the airport resumed arrivals and departures, though residual disruptions continued into the evening. Delta Air Lines has expressed gratitude for the swift actions of first responders and is cooperating fully with investigative authorities.
A Stark Reminder
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the critical importance of emergency preparedness. The survival of all 80 individuals on board is a testament to the effectiveness of safety protocols and the courage displayed by passengers and crew in the face of adversity.
As investigations continue, the aviation community will closely examine the findings to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. For Kim Kardashian and her fellow passengers, the experience underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact of collective resilience in moments of crisis.
