Photo Credit: YYZBrennan (https://tinyurl.com/45dkdxau)
Flight 4819 main body at Pearson Airport
What could be the possible reasons for a plane to turn upside down after landing at Toronto Pearson Airport?
Investigators have been cautious in discussing what went wrong when the aircraft touched down and rolled over at Toronto Pearson Airport on February 17, 2025. However, video footage of the landing suggests the aircraft experienced a hard landing with an unusually high rate of descent. It touched down with the right wheel first, which may have caused the landing gear to collapse upon impact. This, in turn, could have led to the right wing striking the runway, ultimately causing the aircraft to roll over.
Several factors could have contributed to this accident:
Reports indicate that strong crosswinds were present during landing. Crosswinds can be challenging, even for experienced pilots. A sudden gust or a failure to compensate adequately could destabilize the aircraft, making it difficult to maintain control.
Unlike Airbus aircraft, which commonly use the crabbing-wing-level landing technique, it is unclear if the wing-low method was applied to counteract the crosswind from the right. If the aircraft was banked excessively, the right-wing tip might have touched the runway, causing the structural damage.
A hard landing can exert excessive stress on the landing gear. If the right main gear collapsed upon impact, it could have caused the right wing to hit the ground, snapped off and roll the aircraft.
The Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) specifies crosswind limits for various runway conditions, such as snow or ice. Pilots are required to adhere to these restrictions, along with any additional airline-imposed rules. If these limitations were exceeded, it could explain the loss of control upon touchdown.
If the captain deemed conditions unsuitable for a junior pilot to execute the landing, he should have taken over. The ultimate responsibility for flight safety lies with the captain.
Flight 4819 is not the first aircraft to flip over after landing. In 1987, a DC-9 overturned in Denver under similar conditions, resulting in 28 fatalities. However, advancements in safety design, stronger fuselage structures, and improved seating arrangements have significantly reduced casualties in such incidents.
In the 1987 crash, the wings remained attached to the fuselage, worsening structural damage. In contrast, in the Toronto accident, the wings detached as designed, ensuring all passengers survived.
This incident marks the fourth major aviation accident in North America within a month, raising concerns about flight safety. However, despite such events, fatal crashes remain rare, and the overall track record of North American airlines remains very safe.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and may not represent what actually happened. The aircraft’s black box will ultimately provide a comprehensive account of the accident.
View a YouTube video of the crash