LaGuardia Airport Collision: NTSB Investigation Underway Amidst Air Travel Disruptions
New York City’s LaGuardia Airport is grappling with disruptions following a collision between an Air Canada Express plane and a ground vehicle on March 22, 2026, resulting in the deaths of the two pilots. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, facing challenges in assembling the full investigative team due to existing travel delays.
Crash Details and Initial Findings
The incident involved Air Canada Express Flight AC8646, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, which arrived at LaGuardia from Montreal at approximately 11:37 p.m. ET. Within a minute of landing, the aircraft collided with a Port Authority rescue vehicle on the runway. Air traffic control audio captured a controller urgently warning the truck to stop moments before the impact. The airport was officially closed at 3:16 a.m. ET on March 23, 2026.
The pilots, identified as Antoine Forest from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and MacKenzie Gunther, tragically died in the crash. Two Port Authority officers aboard the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A total of 41 people were transported to hospitals, with most being subsequently released.
Investigation and Recovery of Flight Recorders
NTSB investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder – often referred to as “black boxes” – from the aircraft. These recorders have been sent to the NTSB’s laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. Retrieval required cutting a hole in the aircraft’s roof due to the position of the tail on the ground, but the cockpit voice recorder was not damaged. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy indicated that a substantial amount of debris needs to be cleared from the runway, potentially taking “days.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to support the NTSB, as per international agreements. However, the TSB is restricted from publicly releasing information without the express consent of the NTSB.
Travel Disruptions and Contributing Factors
Runway 4/22, the site of the collision, remains closed. Runway 13/31 reopened by midafternoon on March 23, 2026, but significant delays and cancellations persisted. Approximately 600 flights were canceled as a result of the crash, and Delta Air Lines temporarily suspended service from LaGuardia. Travelers are advised to expect continued disruptions.
The NTSB’s investigation was initially hampered by travel delays affecting its own personnel. One investigator was reportedly delayed for three hours in a TSA line at a Houston airport before being expedited to New York. These delays, combined with a temporary ground stop at Newark Airport, created logistical challenges in assembling the full investigative team.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Updates
The NTSB investigation is ongoing, with federal officials on-site collecting data and conducting interviews. Homendy stated it was too early to draw conclusions about the cause of the collision, with more information expected to be released on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The FAA is also sending a team to LaGuardia to support the NTSB investigation.
NAV Canada has affirmed that airspace safety remains its “top priority” following the incident.