Air Canada Jet Collides With Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Killing Pilots
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on Runway 4 at New York's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to several others. The incident led to the closure of the airport and a ground stop for all flights, causing widespread travel disruptions.
Key Highlights
- Air Canada Express jet collided with a fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport.
- Both pilots of the aircraft were killed in the collision.
- Several passengers, crew members, and two firefighters sustained injuries.
- The incident caused a complete shutdown of LaGuardia Airport and a nationwide ground stop.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash.
- The fire truck was responding to a separate United Airlines flight that had reported an odor onboard.
A tragic collision occurred late Sunday night at New York's LaGuardia Airport when an Air Canada Express flight, identified as Flight AC8646 operated by Jazz Aviation, struck a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4. The incident, which happened around 11:40 p.m. local time on March 22, 2026, resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft. The Bombardier CRJ-900 plane, arriving from Montreal, Canada, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the collision.
The fire truck involved was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight that had reported an unusual odor onboard, according to Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. Air traffic control audio indicates that the fire truck had been cleared to cross Runway 4, but a frantic "stop" command was heard moments before the collision. The aircraft struck the fire truck at a speed of approximately 24 miles per hour (39 kph), according to flight tracking data.
In the aftermath of the collision, significant damage was observed on the front of the Air Canada Express aircraft, with photos showing its nose severely damaged and tilted upwards. Emergency response protocols were immediately activated, with fire department units and police on the scene. Several individuals sustained injuries: 41 passengers and crew members were transported to local hospitals, with many subsequently released. Additionally, two Port Authority officers aboard the fire truck suffered injuries, including broken limbs, but were reported to be in stable condition.
Following the incident, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all flights at LaGuardia Airport and ordered its closure. The airport was expected to remain shut until at least 2 p.m. ET on Monday, March 23, 2026, to allow for response and a thorough investigation. This closure led to widespread travel disruptions, including hundreds of flight cancellations and delays across the country, impacting not only New York but also other major airports.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a "go team" to lead the investigation into the collision, with the FAA also assisting. The investigation will focus on the sequence of events, air traffic control communications, and runway incursion protocols. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety protocols and is likely to intensify scrutiny following a series of recent aviation-related incidents.
LaGuardia Airport, a major hub serving over 30 million passengers annually in 2025, experienced significant operational impact. The FAA's ground stop and airport closure caused a ripple effect nationwide, disrupting travel plans for countless passengers. The incident occurred amidst existing travel strains due to a partial federal government shutdown and unpaid TSA employees, further complicating the travel landscape.
This event underscores the critical importance of safety procedures on airport tarmacs and highlights the potential for catastrophic outcomes when these procedures fail. The investigation by the NTSB is expected to provide further insights into the causes of this tragic accident and may lead to revised safety regulations within the aviation industry. The dual nature of the fire truck responding to a separate emergency call and the aircraft's landing presented a complex scenario for air traffic control, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at LaGuardia Airport?
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to several others. The incident led to the closure of the airport and a ground stop for all flights.
Who was involved in the LaGuardia Airport collision?
The collision involved an Air Canada Express flight (Flight AC8646 operated by Jazz Aviation) and a Port Authority fire truck. Both pilots of the aircraft were killed, and several passengers, crew members, and two firefighters sustained injuries.
What was the cause of the collision?
Preliminary reports suggest the fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight that had reported an odor. Air traffic control audio indicates the fire truck had been cleared to cross Runway 4, but a "stop" command was issued moments before the collision. The exact sequence of events is under investigation by the NTSB.
What was the impact of the incident on air travel?
The collision caused LaGuardia Airport to close and a nationwide ground stop to be issued. This resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, significantly disrupting air travel across the United States.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a team to lead the investigation into the collision. The FAA is also assisting in the inquiry. The airport remained closed for a period to facilitate the investigation.
