In a tragic aviation incident late Sunday, an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck shortly after landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The flight, which originated in Montreal, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the accident.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed early Monday that the pilot and co-pilot perished in the collision. Photos from the scene revealed severe damage to the aircraft, with the front section including the cockpit completely sheared off and debris hanging from the nose area.
Emergency Response and Airport Closure
LaGuardia Airport announced it would remain closed until at least 2 p.m. local time on Monday, with incoming flights from across the United States and Canada being diverted. The airport confirmed via social media that the incident occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday when the Jazz Aviation flight, operating on behalf of Air Canada, struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate situation.
Investigation Launched
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate the crash, with Chair Jennifer Homendy serving as the on-scene spokesperson. The NTSB identified the flight as Jazz Aviation Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ900 aircraft that collided with the fire truck on Runway 4.
Air Traffic Control Communications
Recordings of air traffic control communications reveal that "Truck 1 and company" had requested permission to cross Runway 4, where the Air Canada jet was scheduled to land. An unidentified voice, likely an air traffic controller, initially instructed the truck to "cross 4 at delta" before urgently repeating "stop, stop, stop, stop Truck 1" multiple times.
The controller subsequently informed the pilots: "I see you collided with a vehicle there. Just hold position. I know you can't move. Vehicles responding to you now."
Operator Statement
Jazz Aviation LP, which was operating the flight for Air Canada, issued a statement confirming the aircraft's passenger and crew count. The company is cooperating fully with investigators as they work to determine the exact circumstances that led to this fatal ground collision at one of New York's busiest airports.
