LaGuardia Airport Collision: Pilot and Co-Pilot Killed, Investigation Underway
LaGuardia Airport in New York City experienced a tragic incident on Sunday, March 22, 2026, when an Air Canada plane collided with a Port Authority vehicle on the runway. The collision resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot and left dozens injured, prompting a temporary closure of the airport.
Details of the Collision
According to reports from the NBC New York and NBC News, the incident occurred after 11:30 p.m. On Sunday. An Air Canada plane, operated by Jazz Aviation, was nearing the complete of its landing procedure when it struck a Port Authority firetruck. The firetruck was manned by police officers and was on the runway at the time of the collision.
The pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada flight were killed in the crash. Two Port Authority police officers sustained injuries, including broken bones, but are expected to recover. A total of 41 people on board the plane were transported to hospitals, with some suffering serious injuries. Many were taken to Elmhurst Hospital or Queens Presbyterian Hospital.
Flight Details and Passengers
The flight originated at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. The Port Authority vehicle involved in the collision carried two people, both of whom were hospitalized.
Investigation and Airport Closure
An investigation into the cause of the collision is currently underway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been asked by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to provide an Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) replay of the event to analyze the data and determine what was visible to air traffic control at the time of the incident. NBC News reports that the Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting truck was responding to unrelated reports of an “odor” on a United flight when the collision occurred.
LaGuardia Airport was closed following the collision and will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. On Monday, March 23, 2026, as authorities investigate. Authorities have warned people to avoid the area. AP News confirms the airport closure.
Previous Incident at LaGuardia
LaGuardia Airport was also the site of a notable aviation event in 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles, made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines. This event, famously depicted in the film “Sully” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, is remembered as a successful outcome despite the perilous circumstances.