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
Sunday night saw a tragic collision at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and numerous injuries. 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.
ATC audio reveals conflicting instructions
Air traffic control audio recordings indicate a controller initially allowed the vehicle to cross the runway before issuing a stop command. “I messed up,” one air traffic controller is heard saying on the recording. The collision occurred at around 11:40 p.m., with the plane traveling at approximately 30 mph as it neared the end of its landing.
Casualties and initial reports
According to preliminary information, 41 individuals were treated for injuries at local hospitals, some of whom sustained serious wounds. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia noted that 32 of the injured had since been released. Two among the affected, a sergeant and an officer, suffered broken limbs but are in stable condition, as reported by sources familiar with the investigation.
Aftermath and airport closures
The New York City airport remains closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday. “Heartbreaking news out of LaGuardia this morning,” Governor Kathy Hochul shared on X, confirming the fatalities and injuries. The collision at Runway 4 marks another setback for an aviation sector already grappling with recent incidents.
Additional context and disruptions
Transport disruption expanded on Monday after a brief ground stop at Newark International Airport followed an FAA tower evacuation due to smoke in an elevator. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft involved as a Bombardier CRJ-900 twin-jet operated by Air Canada Express, also known as Jazz Aviation, from Montreal.
Evacuation and family reunions
Families were directed to Air Canada to locate separated relatives during the aircraft evacuation. Garcia reported that an unaccompanied minor was successfully reunited with their family. The NYPD advised residents to avoid the area around LaGuardia and anticipate local disruptions, as all streets and exits remain closed.
Investigative teams and ongoing inquiries
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed a “go team” to the collision site and will later send an investigative unit. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed his visit to the airport, stating that the FAA is examining whether staffing levels played a role in the incident.
“I messed up,” one air traffic controller is heard saying on the recording.
Media and contributors
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 issues. Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Tom Costello is an NBC News correspondent based in Washington, D.C.