Investigators recover black boxes from Toronto plane crash site

Investigators have recovered the black boxes from the Delta Air Lines flight that crashed during landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on February 18, 2025. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been sent to a laboratory for analysis as authorities work to determine the cause of the crash that left 21 people injured.

The plane, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air, was on a flight from Minneapolis when it flipped over upon landing. The aircraft, carrying 80 people, skidded and caught fire after making impact with the runway, causing parts of the plane to separate. Authorities are also examining video footage and eyewitness reports, which suggest gusting winds and snow might have played a role in the incident.

According to Ken Webster, senior investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), it is too early to speculate on the exact cause of the crash. "At this point, we are still gathering evidence and will share updates as soon as possible," he said in a statement.

The investigation is being supported by teams from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Transport Canada, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as Delta's own technical experts.

In addition to the black boxes, investigators are reviewing the weather conditions at the time of the crash. The incident occurred amid blowing snow and gusting winds up to 65 km/h, leading aviation experts to question whether these conditions contributed to the rough landing.

In the aftermath, local emergency services were praised for their swift response, with fire crews extinguishing flames within minutes and helping passengers evacuate. While most passengers suffered minor injuries, a few sustained more serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Airport operations have been disrupted due to the crash, with two of Pearson’s main runways remaining closed. The airport advised travellers to check flight statuses before heading to the terminal. Several flights were cancelled, while others were delayed as investigations continue.

Canadian and U.S. authorities, including Transport Minister Anita Anand and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have offered their support to the investigation.