Air Canada jet collides with fire truck at LaGuardia, killing two pilots.
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot. The incident caused significant airport disruptions and several injuries.
Key Highlights
- Air Canada Express plane struck a fire truck on LaGuardia runway.
- Two pilots were killed in the collision.
- Airport operations were suspended for investigation.
- Multiple passengers and emergency personnel were injured.
- The truck was responding to a separate incident.
- Investigations into the cause are underway.
An Air Canada Express flight, identified as Flight AC8646 and operated by Jazz Aviation, collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) late on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The devastating incident occurred shortly after the aircraft landed, having departed from Montreal. Tragically, the pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada Express jet were killed in the collision. In addition to the fatalities, 41 individuals sustained injuries, including passengers, crew members, and two Port Authority officers operating the fire truck. While 32 of the injured were released after treatment, nine remained hospitalized with serious injuries. The fire truck was reportedly responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight that had reported an odor in the cabin and aborted its takeoff. Air traffic control audio indicated that the fire truck was cleared to cross the runway and then instructed to stop moments before the collision. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to the front of the CRJ-900 aircraft. Following the incident, LaGuardia Airport was closed to all operations to facilitate emergency response and a thorough investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all flights to LGA, with the airport remaining closed until at least 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 23, 2026. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a "go-team" to investigate the accident. Initial assessments suggested the collision was accidental, with no foul play or terrorism suspected. Air Canada has established a helpline for the families of those on board the flight. The incident led to widespread flight cancellations and diversions, impacting hundreds of flights scheduled for Monday. The exact cause of the collision, including the sequence of events leading to the fire truck being on the active runway during the aircraft's landing, is currently under intensive investigation by the NTSB and FAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at LaGuardia Airport?
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on Runway 4 shortly after landing. The incident resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot and injuries to several passengers and emergency personnel.
When did the incident occur?
The collision occurred late on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at approximately 11:40 p.m. ET.
Were there any fatalities?
Yes, the pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada Express aircraft were killed in the collision.
What was the status of the airport after the incident?
LaGuardia Airport was closed to all operations to allow for emergency response and investigation. Flights were diverted or canceled, and operations were suspended until at least 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 23, 2026.
What was the fire truck doing on the runway?
The fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight that had reported an odor in the cabin.