2 pilots dead after Air Canada plane collides with truck at LaGuardia airport
2 pilots dead after Air Canada plane collides with truck at LaGuardia airport
Two pilots lost their lives and over 40 individuals were injured when an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night. The incident involved Air Canada Flight 8646, which had just landed with 72 passengers and four crew members, and a Port Authority fire-rescue vehicle responding to a separate issue on another flight.
Collision Details
The accident occurred around 11:40 p.m., as the plane was at the end of its landing roll and traveling at approximately 30 mph. The truck, which was addressing an unrelated odor report on a United flight, was cleared by air traffic control to cross the runway before being instructed to halt. “I messed up,” one air traffic controller is heard saying in the audio recording.
A video shared online captures a passenger jet on the runway with its cockpit elevated and the front fuselage severely damaged. The collision on LaGuardia’s Runway 4 has added to a series of challenges facing the aviation sector.
Investigation and Response
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to visit LaGuardia Airport, with the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and Port Authority conducting the inquiry. Duffy highlighted the FAA’s focus on whether staffing levels contributed to the incident.
“Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated on X, confirming the fatalities and injuries. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.”
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia noted that 41 individuals were treated for injuries at local hospitals, some requiring serious care. As of early Monday, 32 had been discharged, though two officers—both with broken limbs—remain in stable condition, according to preliminary reports from sources familiar with the investigation.
The New York City airport will stay closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday. The NYPD advised the public to steer clear of the area and anticipate local disruptions, with all streets and exits temporarily shut down.
Regional Disruptions
Transportation delays in the region intensified Monday after a brief ground stop was implemented at Newark International Airport in New Jersey. The FAA tower evacuation, triggered by smoke in an elevator, led to the disruption. The involved aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ-900 twin-jet operated by Air Canada Express, also known as Jazz Aviation, from Montreal.
NTSB has dispatched a “go team” to the scene and will send a dedicated investigation unit later. Families were directed to Air Canada for reunification efforts, as some passengers became separated during the evacuation. An unaccompanied minor was successfully reunited with their relatives, Garcia reported.
Jonathan Dienst serves as chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV in New York. Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering transportation, space, medical, and consumer topics. Dennis Romero contributes breaking news reports for NBC News Digital. Assignment Editor Tom Costello is based in Washington, D.C., for NBC News.
