Air Canada Express Plane Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport, Pilot and Co-Pilot Killed

New York’s LaGuardia Airport experienced a tragic incident late Sunday night when an arriving Air Canada Express plane collided with a Port Authority fire truck, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The collision led to the closure of the airport and significant disruptions to air travel.

Details of the Collision

The Air Canada Express CRJ-900, operating as Jazz Aviation Flight 8646 from Montreal, collided with a Port Authority firefighting vehicle on Runway 4 at approximately 11:37 PM local time on March 22, 2026. CBS News reports the fire truck was responding to a separate incident at the time of the collision.

According to Channel NewsAsia, the aircraft was traveling at approximately 24 mph (39 km/h) when the impact occurred. Photos from the scene show visible damage to the nose of the plane, which was tilted upward.

Fatalities and Injuries

Tragically, both the pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada Express flight were killed in the collision. NBC News initially reported that dozens of others were injured, including a sergeant and an officer from the fire truck crew who sustained broken limbs and were in stable condition. NBC News later reported at least four people were injured.

Airport Closure and Flight Disruptions

LaGuardia Airport was closed following the incident, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing a ground stop until at least 2:00 PM local time on March 23, 2026. CBS News reported that 18 flights were diverted to other airports in the New York area or returned to their origin.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are investigating the cause of the collision. Air Canada referred inquiries to Jazz Aviation, its partner operating the flight. Jazz Aviation stated the flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, although this remains subject to confirmation.

Passenger and Crew Information

The Air Canada Express flight was operated by Jazz Aviation and originated from Montreal. The aircraft involved was a CRJ-900, a smaller regional jet.

Ongoing Response

New York City’s emergency notification system advised residents to expect cancellations, road closures, traffic delays, and the presence of emergency personnel near the airport. LaGuardia Airport served over 30 million passengers in 2025, making it a critical transportation hub for the region.