Delta Air Lines is now facing 11 separate lawsuits following the crash landing of Flight 4819 at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, operated by Delta’s subsidiary Endeavor Air, flipped upside down upon landing in icy conditions. All 80 passengers and crew survived, but 21 individuals sustained injuries.
Flight 4819 was en route from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport to Toronto when it experienced a hard landing. The aircraft’s right main landing gear collapsed upon impact, causing the plane to overturn and catch fire. Passengers described being suspended upside down, drenched in jet fuel, and struggling to evacuate the smoke-filled cabin.
The lawsuits, filed in various jurisdictions including Texas, Minnesota, and Georgia, allege negligence on the part of Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air. Plaintiffs claim that the flight crew failed to adhere to standard landing procedures and that the airline provided inadequate training and supervision. The suits seek compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, and other damages.
One notable case involves Marthinus Lourens, a Texas resident who was aboard Flight 4819. Lourens alleges he suffered significant injuries and emotional distress after being “drenched with jet fuel” during the crash. His lawsuit, filed in Georgia, seeks damages exceeding $200,000 under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability.
In response to the incident, Delta Air Lines offered $30,000 to each passenger as a goodwill gesture, stating that the offer had “no strings attached” and did not affect passengers’ legal rights.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft was descending at a rate exceeding recommended limits, leading to the landing gear’s failure. Investigators are examining various factors, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and weather conditions at the time of the landing.
The lawsuits filed against Delta Air Lines highlight the complexities of airline liability, especially in international incidents governed by treaties like the Montreal Convention. As investigations continue, the outcomes of these legal proceedings may have significant implications for airline operational standards and passenger safety protocols.
Delta Air Lines has stated that it is cooperating fully with investigative authorities and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers.
