New York, NY — A tragic runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night claimed the lives of two pilots and injured dozens more when an Air Canada Express regional jet slammed into a Port Authority fire truck.
The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. ET on March 22, 2026, as Air Canada Express flight AC8646 — a CRJ-900 jet carrying about 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal — was landing. The Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle was responding to an odor complaint aboard a separate United Airlines flight when the high-speed impact, estimated at around 104 mph, took place.
Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed. Forty-one passengers and crew members were injured and taken to area hospitals; 32 have since been released. Two officers aboard the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
HORROR FOOTAGE: Video shows Air Canada Flight AC8646 colliding with a Port Authority fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.
Both pilots are dead. Dozens of passengers and two on the truck were injured.
LGA remains closed as NTSB investigates.
pic.twitter.com/QtV3CMs3Uz— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 23, 2026
Passengers described bracing for a hard landing moments before the violent crash. The impact sheared part of the jet’s cockpit, overturned the fire truck, and scattered debris across the runway. Emergency crews quickly evacuated those on board.
The crash forced the temporary closure of LaGuardia, a major hub for domestic and regional flights, disrupting travel for hours. The airport has since reopened.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched a full investigation into the runway incursion, including air traffic control communications and procedures. Officials have offered condolences to the victims’ families as the probe continues.
This rare but severe ground accident at one of America’s busiest airports has renewed focus on runway safety protocols.
SOURCES:
LaGuardia Airport plane collision latest l LIVE coverage | FOX 5 New York
Live Updates: What caused the fatal plane crash at LaGuardia?
Deadly Plane Crash at LaGuardia Airport: What We Know – The New York Times
A look at recent plane tragedies, close calls at LaGuardia – NBC New York
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