NEW YORK (TNND) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking to terminate two air traffic controllers who reportedly left their shifts early on March 22, the night an Air Canada Express jet collided with a Port Authority firetruck at LaGuardia Airport.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the controllers departed about an hour before their shifts ended, leaving only two others in the tower during a critical period. The incident resulted in the deaths of Capt. Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther, and injuries to 39 others, confirmed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
A flight attendant was found ejected more than 320 feet from the wreckage, still secured in her jump seat. The NTSB preliminary report indicated one controller was managing dual tasks while the other coordinated a separate emergency at the time of the crash.
Investigators have not yet determined the final cause of the accident. A full report is anticipated within 12 to 24 months. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the agency will not tolerate misconduct by employees that burdens their colleagues and misuses taxpayer resources.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is currently in discussions with FAA leadership regarding these allegations. The union stated that these discussions are the appropriate forum for addressing the issue.