Collision Occurred During Landing, Investigation Underway
An Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night. The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. The incident forced the airport to close for several hours, causing significant flight delays and cancellations for passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Initial reports suggest an air traffic controller frantically warned the fire truck to stop moments before the impact. The aircraft, a Jazz Aviation flight operating for Air Canada, was arriving from Montreal with more than 70 passengers and four crew members aboard. Several passengers and crew members sustained injuries.
Details of the Incident
The collision happened around 11:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, March 22, 2026, on Runway 4. Reports indicate the Air Canada jet was traveling at approximately 30 mph at the time of impact. The fire truck was reportedly crossing the runway to respond to a separate incident involving an odor reported on a United flight elsewhere at the airport. While controllers issued repeated warnings to stop, the truck proceeded across the active runway. Passengers described assisting each other in evacuating the aircraft by sliding down a wing.
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Aftermath and Airport Operations
LaGuardia Airport, New York's third-busiest, reopened around 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, after the damaged aircraft and the fire truck were removed and the runway repaired and inspected. Travelers faced continuing delays and cancellations throughout the day.
Investigation and Official Statements
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has cautioned against premature conclusions or "finger-pointing" as investigators meticulously examine all available data, including air traffic control communications and surveillance recordings. Homendy confirmed that the NTSB is deploying a significant team to the site. The investigation will also assess whether automated systems generated alerts prior to the collision. Officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, confirmed the sequence of events leading to the truck's movement.
Casualties and Injuries
The deceased pilots have been identified as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, both based in Canada. A flight attendant, Solange Tremblay, was found alive outside the aircraft, over 100 meters from the crash site, suffering multiple fractures. An unspecified number of passengers and other crew members also sustained injuries, described as not life-threatening by some reports. Two Port Authority police officers were also injured and hospitalized.
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Background
LaGuardia Airport, situated in Queens, New York, is a critical hub for air travel in the metropolitan area. Air traffic control operations at the airport are noted to be adequately staffed, with discussions of potential retirement bonuses for experienced controllers to encourage continued service. The incident has reignited discussions about airport safety protocols and ground operations management.
