Two pilots died and dozens were injured Monday night when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in Fresh York City, officials confirmed. The pilots have been identified as Antoine Forest, of Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and Mackenzie Gunther, a recent graduate of a Toronto college.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight Sunday as Jazz Airlines Flight 646, operating as Air Canada Express, was taxiing after landing at LaGuardia, according to reports. The aircraft, which originated in Montreal, struck a Port Authority fire truck. At least 39 people on board the plane and two fire officers were transported to local hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately available.
Canadian Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that Canadian officials are providing support to investigators and the families of those affected. “We have a team on site including Transportation Safety officials as well as a Transport Canada advisor,” MacKinnon said. He added that he has spoken with the Airline Pilots’ Association of Canada, as well as the CEOs of Air Canada and Jazz, who have pledged their full cooperation.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy reported Monday evening that the crash site contains “a lot of debris” that will grab days to catalog and collect. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. For analysis, with preliminary findings expected Tuesday.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asserted that LaGuardia Airport is adequately staffed, despite being “a couple of controllers short.” He stated that the airport operates with 33 certified controllers.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has identified the two Port Authority employees injured in the collision as Sgt. Michael Orsillo and Officer Adrian Baez. One has been released from the hospital, whereas the other remains hospitalized for observation.
LaGuardia Airport suspended all operations following the collision, diverting incoming flights. The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to allow for a thorough investigation.
