Tragic Runway Collision at LaGuardia Airport Claims Lives of Pilot and Co-Pilot; Airport Shut Down

Tragic Runway Collision at LaGuardia Airport Claims Lives of Pilot and Co-Pilot; Airport Shut Down

A devastating incident at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) late Sunday night left the pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet dead after their aircraft collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway, prompting the immediate closure of the busy New York airport and sparking a major investigation.

The crash occurred around 11:40 p.m Sunday 22nd March, 2026. when the Bombardier CRJ-900, operating as Air Canada flight AC8646 (operated by regional partner Jazz Aviation), was landing on Runway 4 after arriving from Montreal. The plane, carrying approximately 72 passengers and four crew members, struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle that was reportedly responding to a separate incident on the airfield.

Port Authority officials confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the impact. "Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased and notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team at this time," said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia.

At least 41 people were injured in the collision, according to updated Port Authority information, with some reports initially citing lower figures of around 13 hospitalized. Injuries included broken limbs suffered by two Port Authority personnel — a sergeant and an officer — who were inside the fire truck and are now reported to be in stable condition. Passenger injuries ranged from minor to more serious, though no additional fatalities have been reported among those on board the aircraft.

Emergency response teams activated protocols immediately after the crash. Photos from the scene show significant damage to the nose of the regional jet, which came to rest on the runway. The airport was fully shut down in the aftermath, leading to numerous flight diversions — at least 18 reported — mostly to nearby hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary details suggest the aircraft had completed its landing rollout when it struck the vehicle, but the exact circumstances — including possible air traffic control communications, visibility conditions (with some reports mentioning rain), and how the fire truck came to be on the active runway — remain under review.

Air Canada issued a brief statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its crew members and committing to full cooperation with authorities. "Our thoughts are with the families of the pilots and all those affected by this tragic event," the airline said. Jazz Aviation, the operating carrier, echoed similar sentiments.

LaGuardia Airport, one of the New York region's key domestic hubs, remains closed as of early Monday morning, with operations not expected to resume until later in the day pending clearance and safety assessments. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for updates on flights.