After witnessing the Delta Air Lines jet catching fire and flipping over on a Toronto runway, many were left astonished at how all 76 passengers and four crew members managed to escape with their lives. However, aviation experts were quick to point out that the successful outcome of Monday’s disaster, with only 21 minor injuries and one person still hospitalized by Wednesday, was a testament to advancements in aircraft design and the impeccable execution of an evacuation plan.
Michael McCormick, an assistant professor and air traffic management program coordinator at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, expressed his amazement at seeing passengers emerge unscathed from the overturned aircraft. He emphasized that the minor injuries were indicative of the significant progress made in passenger jet design and engineering over the years.
Experts highlighted key safety features such as the design of wings to detach in a crash to mitigate explosion risks, as well as frangible components like the vertical stabilizer that allow for a safe evacuation even in the event of a flipped plane. These safety measures, along with robust seat designs and restraints, played a crucial role in preventing fatalities during the incident.
Additionally, the swift and composed response of the flight crew was praised for efficiently evacuating passengers before emergency crews arrived on the scene. Delta CEO Ed Bastian commended the crew’s actions as a reflection of the safety protocols ingrained in the airline’s operations, underscoring the rigorous training that prepares them for such scenarios.
The successful outcome of the crash underscored the continuous improvement in aviation safety, reassuring passengers that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Despite the initial shock and horror of the incident, the coordinated efforts of the crew and the resilience of aircraft design contributed to averting a tragic outcome.
“It was a very uncomfortable, truly solid and unsettling experience – impactful, with sudden sideways movement followed by an unexpected inversion,” shared Peter Carlson, a paramedic en route to Toronto for a conference, with The Associated Press. “The primary goal was simply to get out.” Carlson was honored at the paramedics’ conference for his brave and commendable actions in aiding fellow passengers. The certificate lauds his efforts in “preserving life, minimizing injuries, and fostering calmness.” “I have cuts, scrapes, and bruises on my legs and ribs, but I am alive,” Carlson added. “Everyone survived. I’m not sure if I can be deemed as someone who experienced a miracle, but it’s truly astounding.” Additional footage shows passengers emerging from an overturned cabin while workers help them onto the snowy tarmac and emergency crews spray the aircraft with water. Some passengers, facing injuries from the crash, have sought legal representation from the law firm Rochon Genova, as confirmed by Vincent Genova, the head of the firm’s Aviation Litigation Group. “Our clients, like many others on board, sustained significant injuries requiring hospital treatment,” Genova stated. “Through our involvement, we aim to swiftly and fairly resolve the claims of these clients and others who approach us.” A Delta spokesperson disclosed that the airline has offered each passenger $30,000, emphasizing that the gesture is unconditional and does not impact passengers’ rights. Canadian investigators declined to speculate on potential causes, but aviation experts, speaking to The Associated Press, suggested factors such as weather conditions, human error, or mechanical issues could be considered. “It’s currently premature to determine the accident’s root cause,” stated Ken Webster, a senior investigator with Canada’s Transportation Safety Board, in a video announcement on Tuesday. He mentioned plans to inspect the wreckage, runway, as well as analyze the cockpit voice and flight data recorders. The TSB announced on Wednesday afternoon that the wreckage was being relocated from the runway to a hangar for further examination.
