Investigators Identify High Sink Rate as Key Factor in Toronto CRJ-900 Crash
Toronto, March 21, 2025 – Canadian investigators have revealed a dangerously high sink rate as a critical factor in last month’s catastrophic crash of a CRJ-900 regional jet at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released preliminary findings today from its ongoing investigation into the February 14 accident that claimed the lives of all 52 passengers and crew aboard.
Flight data recorders show the aircraft, operating as Air Canada Express Flight 781 from Thunder Bay, experienced an unusually rapid descent during its final approach to Runway 24L. The TSB report indicates the jet’s sink rate reached approximately 1,800 feet per minute in the last 30 seconds before impact – more than triple the recommended descent rate for that phase of landing
“The aircraft essentially fell out of the sky in those final moments,” said TSB lead investigator Marc-André Poisson. “While we’re still examining all contributing factors, this extreme descent rate made recovery impossible.”
Weather Conditions Scrutinized
The accident occurred during challenging winter conditions, with freezing rain reported at the time of the 8:42 p.m. local time crash. However, investigators confirmed the aircraft’s de-icing systems appeared to be functioning normally, and the crew had received appropriate weather briefings.
Air traffic control recordings reveal the flight crew made no distress calls prior to impact. The aircraft struck the ground about 1.2 kilometers short of the runway threshold, leaving a debris field spanning nearly 300 meters.
CRJ-900 Safety Record Under Review
This accident marks the first fatal crash involving a CRJ-900 in Canadian commercial service since the aircraft type entered service in 2001. The TSB has convened a special team to examine:
- Potential flight control system anomalies
- Crew training and response protocols for high sink rate situations
- Recent maintenance records for the 11-year-old aircraft
Bombardier, manufacturer of the CRJ series, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Company representatives noted that more than 500 CRJ-900s operate worldwide with an exemplary safety record.
Industry Response
In response to the preliminary findings, Air Canada has initiated additional simulator training for all CRJ pilots focusing on:
- Recognition and recovery from excessive descent rates
- Winter weather approach procedures
- Stall prevention techniques
Transport Canada is considering issuing new guidance on approach monitoring procedures for regional jet operations. Aviation safety experts emphasize that while concerning, the preliminary findings don’t yet point to systemic issues with the aircraft type.
Ongoing Investigation
The TSB expects the full investigation to take 12-18 months. Key unanswered questions include:
- Why the flight crew didn’t initiate a go-around
- Whether instrument readings matched actual flight conditions
- Potential human factors that may have contributed
The crash has renewed debate about safety oversight in regional airline operations, with some critics calling for enhanced training requirements and cockpit voice recorder retention periods.
As the investigation continues, memorial services are being held across Ontario for the victims, which included several prominent business leaders and a youth hockey team returning from a tournament.
