Delta confirms Flight 4819 crew was fully qualified amid online speculation.
Delta Air Lines has addressed misinformation circulating online regarding the pilots of Flight 4819, which crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport on Feb. 17.
Despite the aircraft flipping upside down upon landing, all 80 people on board survived without critical injuries.
In response to online speculation, Delta released a statement calling social media claims about the flight crew 'false and misleading.' The airline confirmed that both pilots had completed full training and were qualified under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
The captain, who has been flying since 2007 with Mesaba Airlines (which later merged into Endeavor Air in 2012), has extensive flight experience, including work in pilot training and flight safety. The first officer was hired in January 2024 and completed all required training by April 2024. Delta specifically refuted allegations that she had failed training events, asserting her experience met and exceeded federal requirements.
Videos from the crash show the flight crew assisting passengers in evacuating the overturned aircraft. Greater Toronto Airports Authority CEO Deborah Flint praised the crew as "heroes" for their quick response in ensuring passenger safety.
As investigations continue, Delta maintains that its crew members were fully qualified and rejects any speculation suggesting otherwise. The final passenger from the incident was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 20.
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