Air Canada Express Jet Collides With Fire Truck at LaGuardia, Killing Two Pilots
Key Takeaways
- Two pilots killed as Air Canada Express CRJ-900 hits Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia.
- LaGuardia Airport closed and ground stop issued; flights diverted.
- Fire truck was responding to a separate incident on Runway 4.
Airport Collision Incident
A fatal aviation accident occurred at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Sunday night, March 22, 2026.
“2 dead, LaGuardia Airport closed following collision between Air Canada plane and airport vehicle, officials say Two people were killed at the New York airport, officials told ABC News”
An Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 around 11:40 PM ET.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation, was taxiing after landing from Montreal.
The plane struck the emergency vehicle as it crossed the runway, causing catastrophic damage to the nose section.
The nose was visibly tilted upward in the aftermath of the collision.
The incident occurred during rainy and cloudy weather conditions.
The FAA and NTSB both responded to investigate the crash.
Fatalities and Injuries
The collision resulted in the deaths of both the pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft.
Multiple emergency responders sustained serious injuries, with at least four firefighters critically injured.
Some injured firefighters had broken limbs and were in stable condition at hospitals.
The fire truck had been responding to a separate United Airlines emergency.
The United flight had rejected takeoffs due to a strange odor affecting flight attendants.
Air traffic control audio showed controllers urgently ordering the truck to stop.
A female flight attendant was ejected through the front of the aircraft but survived.
Airport Disruptions
The collision triggered immediate airport closure and widespread disruption to air travel.
“The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all departures to LaGuardia due to the aircraft emergency, with the airport closure in effect until 05:30 GMT”
The FAA issued a ground stop order halting all flights until at least 2 PM ET Monday.
Arriving planes were diverted to JFK Airport, Newark Airport, or returned to origin.
Approximately 18 flights were affected according to flight tracking data.
Passengers faced significant delays and uncertainty.
Authorities advised travelers to check flight status updates.
The incident occurred during already challenging aviation conditions with staffing shortages and weather issues.
Investigation Details
The National Transportation Safety Board launched a comprehensive investigation.
Chair Jennifer Homendy served as the on-scene spokesperson with Member John DeLeeuw.
The investigation will focus on the sequence of events and air traffic control procedures.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft was traveling at 24-30 mph when it struck the vehicle.
The fire truck was responding to a separate incident at the time of collision.
Questions remain about runway crossing protocols during active landings.
Jazz Aviation confirmed 72 passengers and 4 crew members were aboard.
The FAA emphasized the closure was necessary for emergency response and investigation.
Visual Aftermath
Visual evidence showed extensive damage to the aircraft's front section.
“An Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a ground vehicle while landing at LaGuardia Airport on Monday evening, triggering an emergency shutdown and widespread flight disruptions”
Photos and videos captured the nose completely smashed and tilted upward.
Emergency vehicles swarmed Runway 4 during rescue operations.
The plane carried approximately 76 passengers and 4 crew members.
Reports suggested many passengers were Orthodox Jews from the New York area.
Social media footage showed passengers evacuating via emergency slides.
The collision raised questions about airport safety protocols.
Aviation experts noted runway collisions are rare but require thorough investigation.
The Port Authority Police Department's Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Unit was involved.
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