Motley Rice Targets Aviation Again, Rapidly Files Federal Lawsuit Against Delta and Endeavor Air

On February 17, 2025, Delta Connection Flight 4819 made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). While actual expert investigators have barely had time to collect evidence let alone determine a cause, Motley Rice LLC is already pushing forward to hold the airline accountable and pronouncing blame -- and picking up a fat paycheck.

The flight, en route from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), reportedly encountered 38-knot wind gusts before a hard touchdown led to the aircraft flipping onto its back. Fortunately, all 80 occupants survived, though 18 were hospitalized with injuries.

The firm—one of the largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms in the US—predictably filed a federal lawsuit against Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Endeavor Air on behalf of Hannah Krebs, a Minneapolis resident injured in the crash. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota (but NOT in Canada, where the accident occured), accuses negligence on the part of the airline and flight crew. It cites the carrier’s alleged failure to adhere to standard landing procedures and insufficient training and supervision as contributing factors -- even though Canada's TSB is months away from suggesting an actual probable cause.

“As a former U.S. Air Force navigator, I understand the challenges that flight crews often face in the moment, but adhering to established protocols is critically important to ensure passenger safety,” claimed Motley Rice aviation attorney Jim Brauchle. “This suit seeks to hold Delta and Endeavor Air accountable for actions we believe led to a preventable catastrophic event.”

With a presence across multiple states, Motley Rice is known for taking on industry giants and involving itself wherever it seemingly deems a fat settlement as a possible conclusion—and with this lawsuit against Delta, it  appears that tradition continues. The firm gained recognition through asbestos lawsuits, the landmark Big Tobacco litigation, and its legal representation of 9/11 families in cases against airlines and terrorist financiers.

“It is important that survivors fully understand that they have passenger rights and a variety of legal options,” explained Mary Schiavo, Motley Rice litigator and former U.S. DOT Inspector General. “...I am very proud of our client for connecting with us to better understand the complex process.” Schiavo is well-known for taking on anti-aviation stances and is a frequent talking head on media entities following such accidents and similar events.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is currently leading the crash investigation and is the only legal entity empowered (though our the US NTSB is likely to assist) to pronounce a probable cause after an investigation completed. 

FMI: www.endeavorair.com