In a devastating incident late Sunday night, an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority vehicle shortly after landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of both pilots and forced the total closure of one of America’s busiest aviation hubs.
Details of the Collision
The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation (Air Canada’s regional partner), was arriving from Montreal (Flight 8646) with 72 passengers and 4 crew members on board. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the jet struck the Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle at approximately 11:47 PM on March 22, 2026.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed the fatalities during a news briefing:
“Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased. Notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team at this time.”
Casualties and Injuries
In addition to the two deceased pilots, more than 40 people—including passengers, crew members, and ARFF officers—were transported to local hospitals. While 32 individuals have been released, officials reported that several others sustained serious injuries.
Investigation and Airport Status
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a “go team” to investigate why the fire truck was on Runway 4 at the time of the landing. Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle was responding to a separate, unrelated incident when the collision occurred.
-Airport Closure: LaGuardia Airport is expected to remain closed until at least 2:00 PM on Monday to facilitate the investigation and clear the wreckage.
-Travel Impact: The FAA issued a ground stop for all incoming flights, diverting planes to nearby airports or returning them to their points of origin.
-Emergency Contact: Air Canada has established a dedicated assistance line for families of those on board: 1-800-961-7099.
Context of Airport Turmoil
This accident occurs during a period of high tension at U.S. airports. A recent funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security has left TSA employees working without pay for over a month, leading to staffing shortages and increased security concerns across the country.
The Port Authority Police Department and federal authorities continue to work closely to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this fatal ground collision.
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