Jet Collides With Fire Truck on LaGuardia Runway

Jet Collides With Fire Truck on LaGuardia Runway

A regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation for Air Canada collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. Eastern time on March 22, 2026, as the Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ900 was landing after arriving from Montreal.

Runway Incursion During Landing

The fire truck was reportedly responding to a separate, unrelated incident on the tarmac when it entered the active runway. Air traffic control audio captured frantic commands for the truck, identified as “Truck one,” to stop. However, the collision with the landing jet, identified as Air Canada 263, still took place.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials stated that the cause has not yet been determined. Key areas of focus will include runway incursion protocols, the exact location of the fire truck, and air traffic control communications and clearances. The investigation will also examine why the fire truck was on or crossing an active runway during a landing operation.

Aircraft and Crew Details

The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ900, a twin-engine regional jet. These planes are commonly used for shorter routes and are powered by two General Electric CF-34 engines. The CRJ900 typically seats between 76 and 90 passengers and is operated by a crew of two pilots and three flight attendants.

Tragically, both pilots aboard the Air Canada Express flight lost their lives in the collision. The flight attendants and any passengers on board sustained injuries. Additionally, personnel on the fire truck were also involved. A total of 41 individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries of varying severity. No other fatalities have been confirmed beyond the two pilots.

Airport Operations and Damage

LaGuardia Airport was immediately shut down following the incident. Operations remained suspended until approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on March 23rd for investigation, cleanup, and safety assessments. The impact caused severe damage to the front section of the aircraft, including the nose and cockpit area. Photos from the scene showed the front of the jet heavily mangled, with the aircraft coming to rest tilted on the runway.

The CRJ900 has a wingspan of 81 feet and a length of 118 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight is around 84,000 pounds. The aircraft’s structural integrity, despite the severe front-end damage, meant that the rest of the fuselage largely held up, preventing a larger catastrophe such as an explosion or fire, as the impact did not involve fuel lines or engines.

Strategic Context and Previous Incidents

LaGuardia Airport is known for its constrained layout, situated in a densely populated area with limited space for taxiways and runways. Operating a high volume of aircraft in such a confined environment requires precise coordination by air traffic controllers. The transcript notes that operations are usually seamless but acknowledges that the tight space inherently increases risk, especially when managing incoming traffic with short runways and tight approach paths.

The CRJ900 model has been involved in other incidents. The transcript references a similar CRJ900 LR variant operated by Endeavor Air that experienced a hard landing and flipped over at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. In that case, 21 people were injured, but there were no fatalities.

Official Statements and Condolences

Official statements from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Jazz Aviation, Air Canada, the FAA, and the NTSB have described the event as tragic and heartbreaking. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also commented on the loss. Both Jazz Aviation and Air Canada have expressed their condolences and pledged support to the affected families and personnel. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.

Source: Airline Pilot Reacts to Air Canada Jet Collision at LaGuardia Airport (YouTube)