NEW YORK (TNND) — The FAA is moving to fire two controllers after a March 22 collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport that killed two.
Two unidentified controllers left their shifts about an hour early on March 22, leaving two controllers without backup during a high-workload period, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter.
An Air Canada Express jet collided with a Port Authority firetruck on a runway, killing Capt. Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther; 39 people were taken to hospitals, the NTSB said in a preliminary report.
Two controllers were working in the tower at the time of the crash, with one handling two positions while the other coordinated a separate emergency, according to the NTSB.
Investigators have not determined a final cause; a final report is expected in 12 to 24 months, authorities said.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement to ABC News that the agency would not tolerate fraud by workers who add to colleagues' workload.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it is discussing the allegations with FAA leadership.