A New York City-bound flight experienced a heart-stopping emergency midair U-turn minutes after takeoff from Toronto, Canada, on February 3. The Endeavor Air jet, with 74 individuals on board, including crew and passengers, was en route to JFK Airport in Queens when a burnt electrical smell and flames in the cockpit were spotted by the flight crew. The pilot promptly declared an emergency to air traffic controllers, requesting an urgent return to Toronto as sparks flew from the windshield while climbing to peak altitude.

The plane was guided back to Toronto by the air traffic controller, with safety precautions in place and fire trucks on standby. The cockpit fire, believed to have originated from the windshield heater, was swiftly extinguished by vigilant crew members who turned off the heater and donned oxygen masks. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft was back in service just two days after the harrowing incident.

Following the event, Delta, the parent company of Endeavor Air, commended the flight crew for their composed and swift response to the emergency. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed the cause of the incident and emphasized the necessity of replacing the plane's windshield. Notably, Bombardier jets have a history of electrical fire issues related to windshield heaters, as documented in past safety reports.

Efforts to maintain aviation safety were highlighted in the incident response, with the Endeavor Air flight crew's actions reflecting a commitment to passenger well-being and operational excellence. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the current owner of Bombardier jets, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident. The public can rest assured that measures have been taken to address the issue, with the plane's windshield and heating unit promptly replaced to prevent future occurrences.