NEW YORK — LaGuardia Airport (LGA) remains under a total ground stop this morning after a harrowing runway collision late Sunday night involving an arriving Air Canada Express flight and an airport rescue vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:38 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Air Canada Flight AC8646, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, had just arrived from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft (registration C-GNJZ) was decelerating on Runway 4 when it struck a Port Authority Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle near Taxiway E.
Casualties and Injuries
Conflicting reports regarding the severity of the crash emerged early Monday. While some initial local reports and social media footage suggested a “mass casualty event,” official sources from NBC News and the Port Authority have clarified the current status of those involved:
- Flight Crew: The pilot and co-pilot sustained were killed in the impact NBC reports.
- Ground Crew: Two Port Authority personnel—a sergeant and an officer—were inside the fire truck (identified as “Truck 1”). Both are in stable condition at a local hospital with broken limbs.
- Passengers: There were 76 passengers and 4 crew members on board. While 70 people were treated for various injuries, the majority are reported as minor.
Investigation into ATC Communications
Preliminary audio from LiveATC.net has pulled focus toward a potential breakdown in ground communication. In the recordings, a controller can be heard clearing “Truck 1” to cross Runway 4 at Taxiway D. Moments later, the tone shifts to panic as the controller screams, “Stop Truck 1! Stop, stop, stop!”
The aircraft was reportedly traveling at a ground speed of approximately 21 to 24 knots (roughly 24–28 mph) at the moment of impact. Despite the relatively low speed, the height difference between the CRJ-900’s nose and the heavy fire apparatus led to “significant structural damage,” with photos showing the aircraft’s nose tilted sharply upward.
Travel Impact
The FAA has issued a ground stop for all arriving and departing flights at LaGuardia.
- Reopening: The airport is currently estimated to remain closed until at least 2:00 PM ET today.
- Diversions: Hundreds of flights have been diverted to Newark (EWR) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports.
- Advice: Travelers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to use alternate routes, as emergency vehicles continue to block perimeter roads in Queens.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on-site later this morning to lead the investigation.
CCTV Footage
Video shows the moment Air Canada colliding with a fire truck.
