Canada: New York-bound flight returns to Toronto after fire in cockpit

Passengers on board an Endeavor Air flight headed for New York City suffered a scare as a fire broke out in the cockpit shortly after departure from the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

According to a report by 'The New York Post', the 74-passenger regional plane operated by Endeavor Air was compelled to make an emergency landing after returning to Toronto.

The incident took place as the aircraft was increasing its altitude for cruising at around 6:52 a.m. local time.

The pilot reportedly noticed sparks coming from the airplane's windshield while it was rising to its highest point and immediately notified the air traffic controller.

"This is Endeavor 4826, declaring an emergency. I just had a fire, a spark-up, an electrical fire, up in the cockpit. It looks like it's out currently," the pilot then says more calmly.

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"Requesting a return to Toronto immediately."

In response to the pilot's request, the air traffic controller instructed him to reverse course and start descending in the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft.

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 landing.

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

(With agency inputs)