Toronto Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 Crash: Compensation and Liability

Updated: Mar. 21, 2025

Most of us have flown at least once, if not routinely, trusting that the flight will be a smooth and predictable experience. But for the survivors and families of those aboard Delta 4819, what should have been a mundane flight turned into a nightmare.

On February 17, 2025, an uneventful arrival quickly dissolved into a horrific ordeal as the plane flipped upside down, leaving the 80 passengers onboard in a life-threatening situation. With the plane landing at terrifying speeds reaching 100mph and near-instantly rolling over, passengers were thrust into chaos, hanging upside down, “like bats,” enduring what must have felt like an eternity of sheer terror. The memory of this moment is likely to linger and serve as a stinging reminder of the fear and uncertainty that gripped passengers every second of this life-altering experience.

While thankfully there were no fatalities, at least 21 people were injured as the aftermath of the crash unfolded. As of March 2025, the investigation is still ongoing, as authorities work to piece together what exactly went wrong. However, a new preliminary report released on March 20, 2025, reveals the plane was descending at a high rate of speed seconds before the crash.

Many affected by the crash are understandably wondering if they can seek compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one is searching for answers, Meshbesher & Spence is here for you. For over 60 years, our law firm has supported people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. If you were injured in the Toronto Delta plane crash, contact our trusted team today online or by calling (612) 339-9121.

“Professional precise and caring law firm. They definitely have your best interests in hand.”

– Tamra L. | Client

What Happened With Delta Air Lines Flight 4819?

On February 17, 2025, Delta Flight 4819, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR jet operated by Endeavor Air, was in the final stages of its journey to Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft crashed upon landing, flipping upside down on the snowy runway. 

The impact was so severe that it caused the plane’s right main landing gear to collapse and appeared to shear off one of its wings. As the aircraft flipped sideways and landed on its back, the force of the crash left passengers suspended upside down, still strapped into their seats. 

Passengers were left in a panic, hanging from their seatbelts, until they managed to release themselves and fall onto the roof of the plane. They then quickly evacuated from the flipped aircraft, with emergency responders arriving soon after to assist.

Luckily, all 80 passengers and crew members were accounted for, and while at least 21 people were reportedly injured, including a child, there were no fatalities reported.

What Caused the Toronto Delta Plane Crash?

Following the crash, investigations were launched to determine the exact cause of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) have been working together to understand what happened. 

A preliminary report released on March 20, 2025, from the TSB has already provided some new details, though the final cause is still being determined.

The report reveals that the plane was descending at a rate of more than 1,100 feet per minute, nearly twice as fast as it should’ve been descending. To put that in perspective, the plane’s operating manual defines a “hard landing” as one where the plane descends faster than 600 feet per minute.

In the moments before landing, the aircraft’s enhanced ground proximity warning system alerted the crew to a “sink rate,” indicating the rapid descent. Just before touchdown, the plane was slightly below the glide slope, which is a system that guides an aircraft down to the runway during landing for a controlled descent.

When the plane hit the ground, the right landing gear broke, causing the right wing to sever from the fuselage, spilling jet fuel that ignited as the plane flipped over and slid down the runway. According to the TSB, there were no obvious preexisting problems with the aircraft.

The preliminary investigation does not clarify why the plane was descending too quickly or how strong winds may have contributed to the crash. Most of the details in the report are based on data from the aircraft’s flight data recorder, with no information from the cockpit voice recorder being released.

What Is the Montreal Convention and How Does It Affect Me?

When it comes to international flights, like Delta 4819 traveling between the United States and Canada, there are specific laws in place that impose strict liability on airlines in the event of injuries or deaths of passengers. These laws are governed by a multinational treaty called the Montreal Convention. 

The Convention makes the airline responsible for injuries and damages that happen during international flights, but only up to a certain limit: about $277,000 CAD. However, if passengers suffer physical injuries that go beyond this limit, they can try to get more compensation if the airline cannot prove it wasn’t negligent in causing the crash.

Therefore, if the airline made a mistake, such as pilot error, failing to properly vet the plane for mechanical problems, or not following safety procedures, then it may have to pay more than the $277,000 CAD limit.

Should it be discovered there was insufficient training, negligent hiring, or a lack of maintenance that resulted in this near disaster, we intend to pursue the highest amount recoverable on behalf of our clients to ensure they are compensated for medical bills, pain, loss of work, loss of enjoyment of life, and the pure terror of being involved in such an incident. 

Delta Airlines’ $30,000 Offer to Passengers After Toronto-Bound Flight Incident: A Low Offer?

Delta Airlines has recently offered $30,000 to each passenger involved in the harrowing incident of Delta Flight 4819.

While Delta’s offer to compensate each passenger is a step toward acknowledging the traumatic nature of the crash, our firm believes this offer falls short of covering the pain, suffering, and potential long-term consequences that many passengers may face. 

It’s important to note that while Delta’s offer has been described as “no strings attached” and does not affect passengers’ rights, our firm advises passengers to carefully consider their options before accepting any offer. In many cases, this initial offer may only be a fraction of what passengers could be entitled to receive.

We understand how terrifying it must have been for these passengers to experience something so traumatic, and it’s possible many of them will never look at flying the same way again.

Meshbesher & Spence is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this crash and is here to help passengers understand their rights. If you or a loved one were affected, reach out to our team online or call (612) 339-9121 today before making any decisions about compensation.

Delta Plane Crash Liability: Who’s Responsible?

This is a developing story, and at the time of writing this page, the exact cause of the crash is still unknown. Liability in aviation accidents depends on various factors, such as the cause of the crash and the parties involved. In many cases, more than one entity could share responsibility, and it’s crucial to understand who might be held accountable for the accident. 

Some examples of who could be held liable in a Delta plane crash lawsuit include:

• The Airline: Sometimes an airline accident can happen because of human error, which may involve the pilot or crew members. Pilot error may include poor judgment, fatigue, or failure to follow proper protocols. The airline itself could also be held responsible for mistakes like operational failures and insufficient training.

• Air Traffic Controllers: Air traffic controllers play a critical role in guiding aircraft safely through the skies and managing landings. Miscommunication, errors in judgment, or failure to provide accurate information on weather conditions can lead to catastrophic accidents. 

• Aircraft Manufacturers: If a defect in the aircraft caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the airplane could be held liable. 

Can Passengers Injured in the Toronto Delta Air Lines Crash Seek Compensation?

We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Toronto Delta plane crash, but if you were injured in the crash, you might be able to recover compensation for the following in a Delta plane crash lawsuit: 

• Past and Future Medical Costs: If you required medical treatment after the crash or will require future medical care for your injuries, compensation may cover these costs.
• Lost Wages: The crash may leave you unable to return to work for an extended period of time, or your injuries may prevent you from ever returning to work. You may be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: A plane crash is an unimaginably stressful and frightening experience that can leave lasting mental scars. In addition to physical injuries, many crash victims experience emotional distress, trauma, or pain. You could recover financial support to address the psychological toll the crash took on you. It is important to note that the Montreal Convention does not cover psychological damages alone, only if the mental trauma is accompanied by physical injuries.

How a Delta Plane Crash Attorney Can Help You

Aviation accidents are uniquely complex and differ from general personal injury cases due to aviation laws, federal regulations, and the details surrounding aircraft design and operation. From the aircraft’s mechanical systems to air traffic control protocols, every detail must be carefully examined to determine liability and ensure justice is served.

While investigations into the crash are still underway, if legal action is pursued, an experienced aviation accident attorney can look into whether negligence played a role in your injuries and identify the responsible parties.

Why Hire Meshbesher & Spence

At Meshbesher & Spence, our team of aviation accident lawyers is dedicated to navigating the complexities of aviation law, from federal regulations to enforcement standards. We understand the intricacies of aircraft safety, product liability, and personal injury laws, and we use that knowledge to ensure your case is handled with care. Our informed and meticulous approach has allowed our team to recover over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. 

If you have more questions about the developing Delta Air Lines flight 4819, reach out to Meshbesher & Spence online or by calling (612) 339-9121.