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3h ago

Two Pilots Killed as Air Canada Regional Jet Hits Fire Truck on LaGuardia Runway

Investigators are focused on tower clearances after a Port Authority rescue vehicle crossed Runway 4 while responding to a separate call.

An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 sits on the runway after colliding with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York, on March 23, 2026. Air Canada Express flight AC8646 originated from Montreal and collided with the fire truck during landing.
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An Air Canada Jet sits on the runway at LaGuardia Airport, Monday, March 23, 2026, after colliding with a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle after landing in New York. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
© TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images

Overview

  • Port Authority officials said the Air Canada Express CRJ‑900, operating as Flight AC8646 from Montreal, struck an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle late Sunday during landing.
  • Kathryn Garcia of the Port Authority confirmed the captain and first officer died; 41 people were taken to hospitals, with 32 later released, and two Port Authority officers remained in stable condition.
  • The FAA issued a ground stop and LaGuardia will stay closed until at least 2 p.m. ET Monday, leading to widespread cancellations and diversions to JFK and Newark.
  • Live ATC recordings reported by multiple outlets indicate the rescue vehicle was cleared to cross the runway and was then urgently told to stop as the jet approached.
  • The NTSB has an on‑scene team and, along with the FAA, will review ATC audio, movement logs, and aircraft data; officials have not determined a cause.