TSB Releases Preliminary Report on Toronto CRJ-900 Hard Landing Accident

TSB Releases Preliminary Report on Toronto CRJ-900 Hard Landing Accident

Toronto – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released a preliminary report March 20, 2025, on the hard landing accident involving Endeavor Air Flight 4819 at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The February 17 incident involved a CRJ-900LR (registration N932XJ) operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

Critical Flight Data Revealed

Flight data recorder analysis shows the aircraft touched down at approximately 136 knots – 8 knots below the recommended Vref of 144 knots – with an excessive descent rate of 1,100 feet per minute. This exceeded the main landing gear's certified limit of 720 fpm. An Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System "SINK RATE" alert triggered 2.6 seconds before touchdown during gusty conditions with winds reaching 35-40 knots and heavy snowfall.

Structural Failures and Outcome

The excessive descent rate caused the right main landing gear side-stay to fracture, folding the gear into the retracted position. This led to right wing root fracture and wing detachment, causing the aircraft to overturn and slide inverted on Runway 23. A post-impact fire occurred due to fuel release. All 80 occupants (76 passengers, 4 crew) survived, with 21 injuries including 2 serious. The aircraft was declared a hull loss. The TSB continues investigating metallurgical analysis of failed components, pilot technique regarding approach stability, and training procedures for winter operations.