NEW YORK (TNND) — A runway collision at LaGuardia Airport claimed two lives and injured 39 more just before midnight on March 22.
Authorities reported that an Air Canada Jazz regional jet collided with an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle upon landing on Runway 4. Both the captain and first officer died in the crash, while six individuals sustained serious injuries.
According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash involved critical miscommunications between air traffic control and emergency responders. Multiple emergency vehicles were responding to another incident when one, referred to as “Truck 1,” was granted permission to cross the runway. Just before landing, air traffic controllers warned the truck to stop, but the aircraft was already descending rapidly.
Data indicated the jet was traveling over 100 mph at the time of impact. Investigators noted that the truck crew was confused by radio messages and did not recognize the stop command as directed toward them.
The investigation also revealed significant gaps in safety measures. The airport's surface radar system failed to alert controllers of the potential runway incursion. Additionally, runway warning lights turned off moments before the collision, consistent with their operational design.
NTSB recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders for further analysis. Investigators will assess air traffic controller workload and communication breakdowns that occurred during the crash.
The event has led to increased scrutiny of runway safety protocols. The investigation remains ongoing, with further analyses expected in the coming months.