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Vancouver Sun
05-08-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Flight attendant sues Delta for US$75M over upside-down plane crash in Toronto
An off-duty flight attendant who helped passengers escape and suffered her own injuries during a fiery upside-down crash of a Delta Air Lines flight at Toronto's Pearson International Airport has filed a US$75-million lawsuit against the airline. The 15-page suit, filed last week in Michigan by Vanessa Miles, claims: 'This accident was caused, at least in part, by Defendants knowingly assigning an inexperienced and inadequately trained pilot to operate the flight, demonstrating a reckless disregard for passenger safety in pursuit of operational efficiency.' It adds that the airline 'cut corners on safety by rushing pilots through training programs.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It goes on to list of number of alleged failures, including 'Failure to ensure proper functioning of critical emergency evacuation equipment; Failure to properly train flight crew on emergency evacuation procedures; Absence of any emergency announcements or guidance during evacuation; Failure to properly maintain the aircraft's landing gear and related systems; Failure to provide prompt medical assistance following the crash; and Failure to have adequate emergency response procedures in place.' In response to a query from National Post, Delta noted that the captain was hired in 2007 and 'has served both as an active duty Captain and in pilot training and flight safety capacities. Assertions that he failed training events are false. Assertions that he failed to flow into a pilot position at Delta Air Lines due to training failures are also false.' It added that the first officer was hired last year 'and completed training in April 2024. Her flight experience exceeded the minimum requirements set by U.S. Federal regulations. Assertions that she failed training events are false. Both crew members are qualified and FAA certified for their positions.' It added: 'We will decline further comment given this is pending litigation and also because of the ongoing TSB (Transportation Safety Board) of Canada investigation, to which Endeavor Air and Delta remain engaged participants.' The lawsuit notes that Miles, aged 67, was a passenger on Endeavor Air Flight 4819, operating under the Delta Connection brand, which departed from Minneapolis on Feb. 17 and was scheduled to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Although she was employed by Endeavor as a flight attendant, she was 'deadheading' at the time, 'meaning she was traveling as a passenger to position herself for future work assignments.' The crash happened when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft bounced and rolled on landing at the Toronto airport, ending up on its roof. A wing was ripped off and a fire broke out. All 80 passengers and crew survived, although more than 20 people were taken to hospital. The lawsuit says Miles was rendered unconscious while hanging upside down from her seatbelt after the plane came to a stop. When she awoke she 'found herself soaked in jet fuel and surrounded by smoke, putting her at grave risk for chemical burns, asphyxiation, and death.' The suit says she suffered 'severe and permanent injuries, including … fractured left shoulder/scapula, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, post-concussion syndrome with headaches, dizziness, and other cognitive difficulties, bilateral knee injuries, back injuries, exposure to jet fuel and toxic fumes, and psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.' In April, Miles was one of four recipients of the C.B. Lansing Memorial Award, given by the Association of Flight Attendants 'to an AFA member who displays heroism beyond the call of duty in aviation.' The award was established in memory of Clarabelle Lansing, a flight attendant who was killed in 1988 when the flight on which she was working suffered an explosive decompression over Hawaii. The organization notes that the award is 'the highest honor a member may bestow upon a fellow member.' It was given to Hollie Gallagher and Rebecca Palazzola, the flight attendants working on the downed aircraft, and to Miles and Alita Parker, 'deadheading Endeavor flying partners who assisted.' A preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released in March does not disclose a specific cause for the crash, but it does mention that two additional airline employees who were on the flight as passengers helped evacuate the rear of the cabin. Madeline Sinkovich, one of Miles' lawyers, told the Post: 'Our complaint alleges that basic safeguards, training, and evacuation procedures failed — and that corporate decisions put cost and schedule ahead of safety. The case proceeds under the Montreal Convention, which holds carriers liable for passenger injuries arising from onboard accidents. Ms. Miles continues to recover from significant injuries; we respect the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's important work and will pursue full accountability in court.' The final report by the Transportation Safety Board is expected next year. According to the CBC , there are at least 16 additional lawsuits that have been filed by passengers related to the incident. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
Ottawa Citizen
05-08-2025
- General
- Ottawa Citizen
Flight attendant sues Delta for US$75M over upside-down plane crash in Toronto
Article content The crash happened when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft bounced and rolled on landing at the Toronto airport, ending up on its roof. A wing was ripped off and a fire broke out. All 80 passengers and crew survived, although more than 20 people were taken to hospital. Article content The lawsuit says Miles was rendered unconscious while hanging upside down from her seatbelt after the plane came to a stop. When she awoke she 'found herself soaked in jet fuel and surrounded by smoke, putting her at grave risk for chemical burns, asphyxiation, and death.' Article content The suit says she suffered 'severe and permanent injuries, including … fractured left shoulder/scapula, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, post-concussion syndrome with headaches, dizziness, and other cognitive difficulties, bilateral knee injuries, back injuries, exposure to jet fuel and toxic fumes, and psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.' Article content Article content In April, Miles was one of four recipients of the C.B. Lansing Memorial Award, given by the Association of Flight Attendants 'to an AFA member who displays heroism beyond the call of duty in aviation.' The award was established in memory of Clarabelle Lansing, a flight attendant who was killed in 1988 when the flight on which she was working suffered an explosive decompression over Hawaii. Article content The organization notes that the award is 'the highest honor a member may bestow upon a fellow member.' It was given to Hollie Gallagher and Rebecca Palazzola, the flight attendants working on the downed aircraft, and to Miles and Alita Parker, 'deadheading Endeavor flying partners who assisted.' Article content Article content A preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released in March does not disclose a specific cause for the crash, but it does mention that two additional airline employees who were on the flight as passengers helped evacuate the rear of the cabin. Article content Article content Madeline Sinkovich, one of Miles' lawyers, told the Post: 'Our complaint alleges that basic safeguards, training, and evacuation procedures failed — and that corporate decisions put cost and schedule ahead of safety. The case proceeds under the Montreal Convention, which holds carriers liable for passenger injuries arising from onboard accidents. Ms. Miles continues to recover from significant injuries; we respect the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's important work and will pursue full accountability in court.' Article content The final report by the Transportation Safety Board is expected next year. According to the CBC, there are at least 16 additional lawsuits that have been filed by passengers related to the incident.
Edmonton Journal
05-08-2025
- General
- Edmonton Journal
Flight attendant sues Delta for US$75M over upside-down plane crash in Toronto
Article content The crash happened when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft bounced and rolled on landing at the Toronto airport, ending up on its roof. A wing was ripped off and a fire broke out. All 80 passengers and crew survived, although more than 20 people were taken to hospital. Article content The lawsuit says Miles was rendered unconscious while hanging upside down from her seatbelt after the plane came to a stop. When she awoke she 'found herself soaked in jet fuel and surrounded by smoke, putting her at grave risk for chemical burns, asphyxiation, and death.' Article content The suit says she suffered 'severe and permanent injuries, including … fractured left shoulder/scapula, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, post-concussion syndrome with headaches, dizziness, and other cognitive difficulties, bilateral knee injuries, back injuries, exposure to jet fuel and toxic fumes, and psychological trauma including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.' Article content Article content In April, Miles was one of four recipients of the C.B. Lansing Memorial Award, given by the Association of Flight Attendants 'to an AFA member who displays heroism beyond the call of duty in aviation.' The award was established in memory of Clarabelle Lansing, a flight attendant who was killed in 1988 when the flight on which she was working suffered an explosive decompression over Hawaii. Article content The organization notes that the award is 'the highest honor a member may bestow upon a fellow member.' It was given to Hollie Gallagher and Rebecca Palazzola, the flight attendants working on the downed aircraft, and to Miles and Alita Parker, 'deadheading Endeavor flying partners who assisted.' Article content Article content A preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada released in March does not disclose a specific cause for the crash, but it does mention that two additional airline employees who were on the flight as passengers helped evacuate the rear of the cabin. Article content Article content Madeline Sinkovich, one of Miles' lawyers, told the Post: 'Our complaint alleges that basic safeguards, training, and evacuation procedures failed — and that corporate decisions put cost and schedule ahead of safety. The case proceeds under the Montreal Convention, which holds carriers liable for passenger injuries arising from onboard accidents. Ms. Miles continues to recover from significant injuries; we respect the Transportation Safety Board of Canada's important work and will pursue full accountability in court.' Article content The final report by the Transportation Safety Board is expected next year. According to the CBC, there are at least 16 additional lawsuits that have been filed by passengers related to the incident.
31-07-2025
- Business
Flight attendant says Delta put 'profits over safety' in Toronto plane crash
A flight attendant awarded for her heroism after the Delta Air Lines crash in Toronto earlier this year is now suing the company, alleging it cut corners on safety and knowingly put passengers at risk, CBC News has learned. In a 15-page complaint filed in U.S. federal court in Michigan this week, Vanessa Miles says she was badly injured in the incident and is seeking at least $75 million US in damages. The lawsuit claims Delta and its subsidiary, Endeavor Air, are liable for negligence after assigning an inexperienced pilot and failing to properly train the flight crew. The airlines have not responded to Miles's allegations and her claims have not been tested in court. The fiery landing on Feb. 17 saw the Bombardier CRJ-900 flip upside down and skid along the runway at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, sending at least 21 people to hospital. Flight 4819 — operated by Endeavor — had taken off from Minneapolis with 80 passengers and crew. Enlarge image (new window) Longtime flight attendant Vanessa Miles says in a $75-million US lawsuit that she was severely injured in the February crash of Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 in Toronto. Photo: Mike Morse Law Firm According to her lawsuit, the 67-year-old was employed as an Endeavor flight attendant at the time of the incident, but wasn't working that afternoon. Instead, she flew as a passenger to be in position for her next assignment — a practice in the industry commonly known as deadheading. Attorney blames 'somebody's negligence' Michael Morse, the owner of the law firm hired by the plaintiff said Miles is still an Endeavor employee, but has been unable to work while recovering from her injuries. Something went wrong here, Morse said in an interview. These things don't just happen without somebody's negligence. In the complaint, Miles recounts being rendered unconscious while hanging upside down from her seatbelt after the plane came to a stop on its roof. She regained consciousness and found herself soaked in jet fuel and surrounded by smoke, Miles's lawyer Madeline M. Sinkovich wrote. Miles, who lives in Detroit, was treated in a Toronto hospital and suffered multiple injuries, including to her knees and back, a broken left shoulder, plus post-traumatic stress disorder, according to her lawsuit. Defendants knowingly, willfully, and repeatedly place profits over safety, resulting in this catastrophic incident and Plaintiff's severe injuries, the complaint reads. Enlarge image (new window) The wreckage of a Delta Air Lines-operated CRJ900 aircraft lays on the runway after a plane crash at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 18. Photo: Reuters / Cole Burston Miles alleges the airlines displayed a disregard for passenger safety in pursuit of operational efficiency by assigning an inexperienced and inadequately trained pilot. What's more, she says Delta and Endeavor failed to properly maintain the plane's landing gear or establish adequate emergency response procedures. Miles was among the airline staff honoured earlier this year by the U.S. Association of Flight Attendants with an award for their heroism beyond the call of duty in the minutes following the crash. Miles and another off-duty flight attendant sprang into action, assisting [the cabin crew] in an effort to get everyone to safety, even while injured themselves, the association said. Companies deny claims Her lawsuit adds to a growing chorus of complaints filed in U.S. courts in connection with the Toronto incident. According to a CBC News review of court records, Canadian and U.S. passengers have filed at least 19 lawsuits against Delta and its Minnesota-based subsidiary. Plaintiffs claim that these injuries and losses are Delta's and Endeavor's fault, and not the fault of any other party, the companies' attorney Michael G. McQuillen wrote in a filing in May. Defendants deny these allegations. Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant declined to comment on the case but said in an email that both flight crew members on Flight 4819 were qualified and [U.S. Federal Aviation Administration] certified for their positions. WATCH | Air safety investigators reveal initial findings: Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB) previously said the first officer — who completed her training 10 months before the crash — was operating the aircraft at the time, while the more experienced captain was seated next to her. Durrant said Delta and Endeavor are cooperating with the ongoing TSB investigation. When the TSB released its preliminary findings (new window) in March, it noted a high rate of descent in the flight's final seconds, as well as an unusual nose pitch. Still, the agency said it was too early to tell what caused the hard landing. The TSB's full report into the incident is expected to be released by the fall of 2026.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Airlines adds new direct flight from Huntsville to New York City
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Travelers can now fly from Huntsville International Airport to LaGuardia on a non-stop Delta Airlines flight. 'This really fills a hole on the map in terms of passenger demand, and we're excited not only from a business perspective for travel, but also from a leisure perspective,' said HSV Business Development Manager Thomas Laming. Previously, travelers had to fly through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to reach New York. Representatives for Delta Airlines said the route has been increasing in popularity, with a 30% rise in demand for summer seats. 'It's definitely one of the number one flows that we've seen over our existing services, especially over Atlanta,' said Delta Spokesperson Amy Martin. 'It makes sense to be able to connect the two markets nonstop, which is a lot more convenient. It's a 2.5-hour flight with no stops and I think serves a need in the market.' The Bombardier CRJ-900 airplane sits 76 passengers and flies out of HSV at 7 a.m. and returns at 9:30 in the evening. It operates Sunday through Friday, year-round and has first class, comfort class, and main cabin options. 'It's a big win for those passengers needing that service and it's coming at a convenient time as well,' Martin said. 'If you're going in for business, that's a great time channel to be getting into Manhattan for meetings, but it's also a great time if you're going up to see a show or enjoy everything that New York has to offer.' Martin said Delta Airlines will continue to invest in Huntsville International Airport. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
