Air Canada Express Plane Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport, Killing Pilots

Two pilots were killed and dozens injured after an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City late Sunday night, March 23, 2026. The incident forced the closure of the airport, causing significant travel disruptions.

Details of the Collision

The collision occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. On Runway 4, according to Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia . The Air Canada Express flight, operated by Jazz Aviation as flight AC8646, was arriving from Montréal carrying 72 passengers and four crew members . The aircraft, a CRJ-900, was traveling at approximately 24 mph when it struck the Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting truck .

The Port Authority fire truck was responding to a separate incident at the time of the collision . Two Port Authority police officers on board the truck sustained broken bones but are expected to recover .

Injuries and Airport Closure

In addition to the pilots, more than a dozen passengers on board the plane suffered various injuries, with many transported to Elmhurst Hospital and Queens Presbyterian Hospital . As of early Monday morning, 32 of the 41 passengers and crew taken to hospitals had been released . Some injuries are considered serious, but the exact number of critical injuries has not been released.

LaGuardia Airport was closed following the collision and was expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. On Monday, March 24, 2026 . As of Monday morning, 18 flights had been diverted to other airports or returned to their origin .

Investigations Underway

The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are expected to investigate the incident .

Statements from Involved Parties

Air Canada referred inquiries to Jazz Aviation, stating they were aware of the incident . Jazz Aviation issued a statement confirming the flight was operating on behalf of Air Canada Express and carried 72 passengers and four crew members.