Overview
- The Air Canada Express jet struck a Port Authority fire truck while landing on March 22nd, killing both pilots in LaGuardia’s first fatal accident in more than 30 years.
- Investigators are examining if a controller stepped away to use a crash phone, a dedicated emergency landline that may be located away from active positions in the tower.
- The response was set in motion after a United flight reported a cockpit odor, and a six‑truck convoy was cleared to cross before a controller yelled for “Truck One” to stop moments before impact.
- The inquiry is testing whether overlapping radio transmissions blocked the stop call or if the lead truck failed to pause at a required stop line before entering the runway.
- The NTSB says two controllers were in the control room, the airport’s ground‑radar system did not flag the truck because it lacked a transponder, and a final report is expected in 12 to 18 months.