Air Canada Express Flight 8646 Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport, Two Pilots Dead

A Jazz Aviation flight operating as Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in Novel York City on March 22, 2026, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The incident prompted the temporary closure of the airport and left dozens injured.

Details of the Collision

The Bombardier CRJ900, arriving from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, struck the fire truck at approximately 11:47 PM on March 22, 2026, while landing at LaGuardia Airport . The collision caused significant damage to the cockpit of the airliner, leading to it being written off . The aircraft was traveling at approximately 24 miles per hour at the time of impact .

Casualties and Injuries

Tragically, both pilots aboard the Air Canada Express flight were killed . Of the 76 occupants (72 passengers and 4 crew members) on board, 41 were transported to hospitals for treatment . As of Monday morning, March 23, 2026, 32 of those injured had been released . Two Port Authority employees in the fire truck were too injured and taken to a hospital, and were reported to be in stable condition . A total of 74 survivors were reported .

Airport Closure and Investigation

LaGuardia Airport was closed following the collision to allow for emergency response and a thorough investigation . The airport was expected to remain closed until at least 2:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 . The incident is currently under investigation.

Flight Details

The flight, AC8646 (ICAO flight no. JZA646, call sign JAZZ 646), was a regularly scheduled international passenger flight from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport to LaGuardia Airport . Jazz Aviation operated the flight on behalf of Air Canada Express . The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ900 with registration C-GNJZ .

Additional Information

The fire truck involved in the collision was responding to a separate incident involving a reported odor in the cockpit of another flight .