A pilot and co-pilot were killed after an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia (LGA) late Sunday, closing the airport for the entireity of Monday morning and into the early afternoon.
In a post on X, LaGuardia authorities said the incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on 22MAR, when Jazz Aviation flight AC8646 from Montreal, operating on behalf of Air Canada, “was involved in an incident on Runway 4.” The aircraft struck a "Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate incident."
The airport, closed following the collision, has now reopened. The first flight to depart since the incident was Delta Flight 990 to Atlanta, which took off at 2:08 p.m.
In an email to The New York Times the Port Authority said, “as operations resume, travellers should expect residual delays and cancellations.,” and that customers should check with their carriers before leaving for the airport.
According to FlightAware data as of 4:00 p.m. ET, the shutdown has led to 634 flight cancellations today at LGA, with 161 additional flights scheduled for this afternoon or evening showing delays.
In a statement, Jazz Aviation LP, which operates Air Canada Express, said there were 72 passengers and four crew members on board the CRJ900 aircraft. Jazz Aviation is owned by Chorus Aviation and is a regional partner of Air Canada.
"The entire Chorus family is mourning the loss of our Jazz colleagues," said Chorus President and CEO Colin Copp. "Chorus is standing firmly behind the Jazz team, ensuring they have every support necessary as they look after those affected by this tragedy."
On X, Air Canada said: "Our deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the Jazz crew of Air Canada Express flight AC8646."
At a news conference, Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said the rescue and firefighting vehicle was carrying two officers, both in stable condition.
Garcia said 41 passengers and crew were initially taken to hospital, with 32 later released. She added several of those still in hospital sustained “serious injuries” and confirmed that “sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased.” She said both pilots were based in Canada.
According to CBC, there had been reports of an odour on a United Airlines flight approaching LaGuardia prior to the Air Canada aircraft’s arrival. In response, multiple airport fire vehicles were dispatched and proceeded toward Runway 4, requesting and receiving permission from air traffic control to cross.
Seconds later, the same ground controller is heard urgently instructing the vehicles to stop. The collision occurred as the Air Canada aircraft touched down.
BNO News said an audio recording of an LGA air traffic controller has him calling out, "Stop Truck 1, stop!"
Later the controller is allegedly heard to say, "We were dealing with an emergency earlier and I messed up."
Photos from the scene show significant damage to the front of the aircraft, with its nose section missing and internal wiring and components exposed.
In the latest update, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA is sending a team to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation.
Air Canada said it has established a dedicated phone line for those seeking assistance, adding that it is “working closely with authorities and local agencies to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available.”
