A plane headed for New York makes a mid-air U-turn to Canada after a cockpit fire

According to The New York Post, a fire broke out in the cockpit of a plane headed for New York City on February 3rd, just after departure from Toronto Pearson International Airport. It was a very terrifying event. The 74-passenger regional plane operated by Endeavor Air was compelled to make an emergency landing back in Toronto after turning around.

Around 6:52 a.m., while the aircraft was increasing its altitude for cruising, the event occurred. “Hey, departure from Toronto! Happy Mayday! “Mayday, Mayday!” As heard in a newly uploaded recording on YouTube, the pilot saw sparks shooting from the airplane’s windshield when it was rising to its highest point and immediately notified the air traffic controller.

The crew identified the captain’s side windshield heater as the cause when it started to spark and flare flames, according to a story from the New York Post.

“Endeavor 4826 here, announcing a state of emergency. I recently had an electrical fire in the cockpit due to a spark-up. The pilot then states more subtly, “It seems to be out right now. “Requesting a return to Toronto immediately.”

In response to the pilot’s request, the air traffic controller instructs him to reverse course and start the Bombardier CRJ-900’s descent.

The pilots reacted quickly, donning breathing masks and asking to be flown back to Toronto right away. When the jet landed, emergency cars were called in and ready to welcome it. After successfully putting out the fire, the flight crew guided the aircraft back to the airport and made a safe runway touchdown.

Thankfully, there were no reported injuries on board. Before beginning any further flights, the aircraft underwent a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the source of the fire and confirm its airworthiness.