Endeavor Air Flight 4814 narrowly avoided disaster at New York's LaGuardia Airport around 10 p.m. when it executed a successful go-around maneuver following a wing strike caused by an unstable landing approach.
Aviation A2Z reported that the incident has put a spotlight on the critical role of go-around maneuvers in ensuring passenger safety during precarious landing situations.
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ-900LR, registered as N185GJ, and aged 16.8 years, operated by Endeavor Air as a Delta Connection flight.
As the pilot attempted to land, air traffic control noticed sparks emanating from one wing, prompting immediate concern over the aircraft's condition.
The pilots, upon being alerted about the sparks, did not report any immediate abnormalities but adhered to safety procedures to execute a go-around, diverting from the landing. This decision allowed the plane to make another approach and land safely, ultimately reaching its designated gate without further incident.
Delta Air Lines, in a statement, emphasized that the crew followed established safety protocols, ensuring the aircraft landed without harm to the passengers.
"The Endeavor Air flight crew followed established procedures to safely enact a go-around at New York-LaGuardia," said Delta. Such maneuvers, according to the FAA, are considered routine, highlighting the proficiency and preparedness of flight crews in maintaining safety.
In a separate, more severe incident, a Delta flight operated by Endeavor Air suffered a crash landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Designated as Delta Flight 4819, the mishap occurred around 2:15 p.m. ET, involving another Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, which faced critical landing gear failure.
The aircraft experienced a rear landing gear collapse, causing the right wing to shear off during the landing process. Following this, the plane skidded, overturning as it came to a stop. Despite the severity of the situation, all 80 occupants survived.
First responders quickly arrived on the scene, a response credited by Deborah Flint, Toronto Pearson International Airport's CEO, as being instrumental in avoiding casualties. She praised the "textbook response" from emergency teams, highlighting their role in ensuring all passengers emerged alive.
Among the passengers on the Toronto flight, 21 were hospitalized. However, all of these individuals have since been released from medical care, with the last hospital discharge occurring on Thursday morning. The recovery process for these passengers has been supported not only by medical teams but also by Delta's own initiatives.
Delta has offered financial assistance to those affected by the Toronto crash, providing $30,000 to each passenger. A Delta spokesperson revealed to CNN that this monetary gesture is "no strings attached" and would not compromise passengers’ rights for further claims.
Expressing solidarity, Delta CEO Ed Bastian conveyed his concern for those impacted by the events at Toronto-Pearson through an internal memo, commending the professionalism of the Endeavor crew.
"The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by today’s incident," he stated, reaffirming Delta's commitment to passenger safety and care.
Meanwhile, the wreckage from the Toronto crash was cleared by Wednesday evening, marking the completion of initial recovery operations. As the investigation into the incident progresses, Endeavor Air and Delta continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities to determine the cause and avoid future occurrences.
