'Upside Down Hanging Like Bats’: Delta Passenger Recalls Terrifying Moments After Crash Landing in Toronto

Mar. 15, 2025

The Delta Air Lines plane after the crash landing at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Feb. 17.Photo:EDUARDO LIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

EDUARDO LIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

A passenger on Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 is recalling the moments after the plane crashed.

Peter Koukov was among the 76 passengers who were able to safely exit the plane as a fire broke out when it hit the runway, according toCNN.

He told the network that he “didn’t know anything was the matter” until it felt as though the plane turned sideways.

Koukov said when the aircraft came to a standstill, “we were upside down hanging like bats." He added that while he was able to stand upright after unbuckling himself, he said other passengers needed help getting down from their seats.

Emergency responders at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.EDUARDO LIMA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Delta said in a statement that there were four crew members on the flight, and all 80 people survived the crash.

“In total, 21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released,” a Delta spokesperson said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Delta Flight 4819.Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty

Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty

Footage Koukov shared onInstagramof the moment he left the aircraft has gone viral with almost 4 million likes.

A flight attendant is seen helping him and other passengers out of the upside-down plane on the snowy runway as firefighters appear to spray white fire retardant.

People were urged to leave their belongings behind in the footage, though a few could be seen carrying bags and neck pillows.

“Being alive feels pretty cool today,” Koukov captioned his video.

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport announced via Instagram that departures and arrivals resumed at 5 p.m. local time following the crash and “staff are supporting the families of passengers at arrivals.”

source: people.com