The crash of a Delta Air Lines Bombardier CRJ-900 last month at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ontario, Canada, was caused by a broken landing gear.
This is according to the first preliminary reports from the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB), which were reviewed by CNN. Less than three minutes before the CRJ-900 made contact with the ground, an alarm was audible, caused by a side support on the right landing gear breaking. The right wing also came loose. As a result, the CRJ-900 veered to the right and then flipped over, ending up upside down. According to the report, the passengers were left hanging ‘like bats.’ Due to the detached wing, a large amount of fuel was released, causing a fire and an explosion.
We've just released our #TSBAir preliminary report on the February 17, 2025 Endeavor Air #CRJ900 accident @TorontoPearson (#A25O0021).
— TSB of Canada (@TSBCanada) March 20, 2025
The report provides a progress update and outlines the facts gathered so far: https://t.co/0AJlwuUYjP
Full video : https://t.co/IwSrxJjZY2 pic.twitter.com/7fB6EUVAgK
Investigation into Crash
The TSB launched an investigation into the true cause. Among other things, various approaches and landings were simulated in a CRJ-900 simulator. The aircraft’s control system was also examined. No malfunctions or defects were observed. The exact cause therefore remains a mystery for the time being. ‘Accidents and incidents are rarely the result of a single cause. They are often the result of multiple complex, interconnected factors, many of which extend beyond the aircraft and its operation. It points to broader system issues,’ explains Yoan Marier, Chairman of the Canadian TSB.
The investigation is still in full swing. In the coming months, the TSB will analyze the metal from which the wing was made, the certification of the landing gear and the wing, the landing techniques and pilot training, the evacuation, and the cabin crew’s emergency training. It may take another 600 days before more becomes clear about this crash.