Pilot, copilot killed in runway collision between jet and fire truck at LaGuardia Airport A pilot and copilot were killed late Sunday when an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, officials confirmed. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Runway 4, where the Jazz Aviation flight—operating for Air Canada—struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle responding to a separate incident. LaGuardia Airport released a statement detailing the collision, which involved a plane carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. Authorities reported that 39 passengers and crew were taken to nearby hospitals, though some have since been released. Two Port Authority employees in the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Garcia noted during a news conference that the pilot and copilot were based in Canada. The airport announced it would remain closed until at least 2 p.m. on Monday to allow for a full investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Garcia stated that the fire truck was en route to address a separate incident involving a United Airlines flight, where the pilot had reported “an issue with odor.” She deferred further details about the sequence of events to the NTSB. Air traffic controllers were heard on a radio transmission giving clearance to a vehicle to cross part of the tarmac before attempting to stop it. The controller urgently ordered the vehicle to halt and diverted an incoming aircraft from landing. The incident occurred amid a partial government shutdown affecting airport security checkpoints, though air traffic controllers were not impacted by the shutdown.#united_airlines #la_guardia_airport #air_canada #port_authority #national_transportation_safety_board
Pilot, co-pilot killed after plane collides with truck on runway at LaGuardia Airport A plane landing at LaGuardia Airport collided with an emergency vehicle on the runway, killing the pilot and co-pilot and seriously injuring two Port Authority police officers, according to sources. The incident occurred after 11:30 p.m. Sunday at the Queens airport. An Air Canada plane was nearing the end of its landing procedure when it struck a Port Authority firetruck operated by police officers, as confirmed by two individuals familiar with the matter. The pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft died in the collision, sources told NBC New York. Two Port Authority police officers were hospitalized with broken bones but are expected to recover. The plane, which had 72 passengers and four crew members onboard, sustained damage, and more than a dozen people were injured. Many of the injured were taken to Elmhurst Hospital or Queens Presbyterian Hospital. The collision occurred on Runway 4, with the plane traveling at approximately 30 mph at the time. For comparison, planes typically taxi at around 5 mph. A Port Authority spokesperson noted the firetruck was responding to a separate incident involving a United flight, where the pilot reported an “issue with odor.” Chilling audio from the moments before the crash revealed an air traffic controller repeatedly instructing the firetruck to stop. The transmission included the controller saying, “Truck 1, stop, stop, stop. Stop, Truck 1. Stop,” before the audio cut out. City officials warned of cancellations, road closures, and traffic delays near LaGuardia, advising drivers to avoid the area. All streets and highway exits into the airport were closed until further notice. The airport was placed under a full ground stop and remained closed until 2 p.m.#la_guardia_airport #air_canada #port_authority #elmhurst_hospital #queens_presbyterian_hospital
Laguardia Airport Pilot and Co-Pilot Killed in Jet-Fire Truck Collision The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet were killed when the aircraft collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, according to authorities and U.S. media reports. The incident forced the airport to shut down temporarily, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halting all flights at the facility. NBC News reported that dozens of people were injured in the crash, though later updates stated four individuals were hospitalized. The collision occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Runway 4 as the plane, an Air Canada-operated Jazz Aviation CRJ-900 from Montreal, approached the tarmac. The fire truck involved was an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle operated by the Port Authority, responding to a separate incident at the time. Unverified social media footage showed significant damage to the plane’s nose, with the aircraft tilting upward after the impact. LaGuardia’s website indicated that arriving flights were diverted to other airports or redirected back to their departure points. The FAA issued a notice suggesting the airport closure could be extended beyond the initial shutdown, though no specific timeline was provided. A separate FAA advisory warned that the airport might remain closed until 1800 GMT, pending further safety assessments. Authorities emphasized the severity of the incident, with officials noting the potential for extended disruptions as safety checks were conducted. The crash has raised questions about airport safety protocols and emergency response procedures, particularly involving the coordination between air traffic control and ground crews during high-traffic periods.#air_canada_express #faa #la_guardia_airport #air_canada #port_authority
Air Canada Flight Collides with Port Authority Vehicle at LaGuardia Airport An Air Canada flight collided with a Port Authority vehicle after landing at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, March 22, 2026, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Runway 4, leaving the aircraft with a crushed nose pointing upward and the rear section lowered to the runway. Officials were working to confirm details of the accident as the airport’s runway was closed for investigation. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stated that the incident involved a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada. The aircraft struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle responding to a separate incident. The statement noted that the Port Authority Police Department and agency leadership were present at the scene. Jazz Aviation LP, which operates as Air Canada Express, confirmed the accident. A preliminary passenger list, subject to verification, indicated 72 passengers and four crew members were on board. Flight data from FlightAware showed the flight originated at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. New York City Fire Department spokespersons reported firefighters arrived at the scene around 11:38 p.m. to address the crash. Emergency vehicles and floodlights illuminated the damaged aircraft, with images showing the plane’s severe structural damage. Authorities have not yet released further details about the cause of the collision or the extent of injuries. The incident has prompted ongoing investigations, with LaGuardia Airport remaining closed to traffic while officials assess the situation.#new_york_city #jazz_air_aviation #la_guardia_airport #air_canada #port_authority
