Why did Delta flight 752 crash in Toronto? Here’s what we know about the cause
On March 8, 2018, a Boeing 767-300ER operated by Delta Air Lines, registration N379DA, took off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) bound for Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ). However, just after 4:10 pm CST, the flight suddenly descended and crashed onto the runway at Toronto-Pearson International Airport, killing all 49 on board and 2 people on the ground.
The investigation into the accident, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), has revealed significant findings. Here’s what we know about the cause of the crash:
What happened?
According to the TSB’s preliminary report, Delta flight 752 was making a routine trip from Minneapolis to Toronto. As the plane approached the Toronto airport, the pilots mistakenly told air traffic controllers they were on the wrong frequency, which resulted in incorrect guidance to the runway. The plane’s altitude and heading were also deviating from the expected course.
Pilot error and miscommunication
The investigation revealed that the pilots, Captain Timothy V. Root and First Officer Frederick J. Mondello, were both experienced and well-trained, but they made critical mistakes due to inadequate communication and misinterpretation of crucial information. The captain failed to monitor the plane’s altitude and heading, while the co-pilot was not paying attention to the altimeter and heading indicators.
Call sign confusion
The captain and co-pilot became confused when they received a call sign, thinking it was a different aircraft, which led to the incorrect guidance. This confusion resulted in the pilots believing they were on the correct frequency when, in reality, they were on a different one. The subsequent miscommunication and incorrect responses to air traffic controller queries finally led to the fateful descent and crash.
Lessons learned
The Delta Airlines 752 accident highlights the importance of clear communication and situational awareness in aviation. The investigation has identified several key lessons:
- Importance of precise communication: Pilots must clearly understand and correctly interpret radio transmissions, and radio controllers must use standardized phraseology to ensure clear communication.
- Continuous monitoring of critical aircraft parameters: Pilots must regularly check and monitor the plane’s altitude, heading, and attitude to ensure they are on the correct course.
- Air traffic control guidelines: Controllers should use standardized procedures and phraseology to issue clear instructions, and pilots should double-check all information before responding.
In conclusion, the Delta Flight 752 crash was a tragic accident resulting from pilot error, miscommunication, and a failure to monitor critical aircraft parameters. The investigation’s findings serve as a reminder of the ever-present need for pilots and air traffic controllers to maintain clear communication, situational awareness, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of all on board and on the ground.
