NEW YORK — Two pilots died late Sunday when an Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on a runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport, injuring dozens of people and forcing the busy hub to close for most of Monday as federal investigators examined the cause.

Two Pilots Killed in LaGuardia Airport Runway Collision as Air
Two Pilots Killed in LaGuardia Airport Runway Collision as Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck

The crash occurred shortly before 11:40 p.m. on March 22, 2026, when the Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, operating as Jazz Aviation Flight AC8921 from Montreal, struck the firefighting vehicle on Runway 4 moments after landing. Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia confirmed at a news conference that the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the impact, which crushed the nose of the plane. Air Canada's care team notified the families.

The plane carried 72 passengers and four crew members, for a total of 76 people aboard. Forty-one individuals were transported to area hospitals — 39 from the aircraft and two Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting officers from the truck. Injuries ranged from minor to serious, though no additional fatalities were reported as of Monday morning. Some passengers sustained critical conditions requiring ongoing treatment.

The fire truck was responding to a separate incident involving a United Airlines aircraft that reported an odor in the cabin, Garcia said. The vehicle was positioned on the runway when the incoming jet, traveling at approximately 24 mph according to FlightRadar24 data, struck it. Photos from the scene showed severe damage to the plane's forward section, with debris scattered and the cockpit area heavily compromised.

LaGuardia, one of the nation's busiest airports, halted all operations immediately after the collision. A ground stop was issued, leading to more than 500 flight cancellations and widespread delays rippling across the Northeast. Officials reopened the airport around 2 p.m. Monday, but air traffic control faced significant backlog. Passengers described chaotic scenes, with some evacuating via emergency slides amid smoke and confusion.

Survivors recounted terrifying moments. One passenger told NBC News the landing felt normal until a sudden jolt and screeching metal. "We hit something hard — the plane shuddered, lights flickered, and then we smelled smoke," the individual said. Crew members assisted with evacuation as emergency responders arrived quickly. No fire erupted on the aircraft, though fuel leaks were reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board launched a full investigation Monday, dispatching a go-team to the site. Preliminary focus includes runway incursion protocols, visibility conditions — clear skies were reported — and communication between air traffic control, the aircraft and ground vehicles. The Federal Aviation Administration is assisting, reviewing radar data, cockpit voice recordings and flight data recorder information once recovered.

Air Canada issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: "We are devastated by the loss of our two pilots and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected." The airline activated support teams for passengers and families, offering accommodations and rebooking options.

Jazz Aviation, the regional partner operating the flight, cooperated fully with authorities. The CRJ-900, a twin-engine jet commonly used for short-haul routes, sustained substantial structural damage but remained intact enough for evacuation.

The incident revives concerns about runway safety at congested U.S. airports. LaGuardia, constrained by its urban location and water boundaries, has seen prior close calls but no fatal collisions of this nature in recent decades. Experts noted that ground vehicle movements during active landings require precise coordination to prevent such tragedies.

Passenger reactions varied from shock to relief. Many praised the crew's swift actions in guiding evacuation. One traveler posted on social media: "Chaos but everyone got out — thankful for the flight attendants." Others criticized airport operations, questioning why a rescue vehicle was on an active runway.

As of Monday afternoon, 41 people remained hospitalized, with nine still under care. The two injured firefighters were treated for non-life-threatening conditions.

The crash adds to a string of aviation incidents drawing scrutiny, though most recent U.S. events have involved minor injuries or near-misses. The NTSB's final report, expected months away, will detail contributing factors and recommend safety improvements.

For now, travelers face disruptions at LaGuardia and connecting airports. Airlines rerouted flights to nearby hubs like Newark and JFK, straining resources. The Port Authority urged passengers to check status before heading to the airport.

This tragedy underscores the risks inherent in busy air operations, where split-second decisions can have devastating consequences. As investigators comb the wreckage and records, the focus remains on honoring the fallen pilots and supporting the injured while preventing future occurrences.