2 pilots killed in plane-fire truck crash in New York

March 23, 2026

A tragic aviation accident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has claimed the lives of two pilots after an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway late Sunday night, triggering a major emergency response and airport shutdown.

Fatal collision on runway

The incident occurred when a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, operating as Air Canada Express Flight 8646, struck an airport fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport. The flight had arrived from Montreal and was carrying around 72 passengers along with four crew members.

According to initial reports, the aircraft hit the emergency vehicle at a speed of approximately 24 mph (39 km/h) during its landing roll on Runway 4.

The impact caused severe damage to the front section of the aircraft, particularly the cockpit area.

Two pilots killed, others injured

Authorities confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot lost their lives in the collision, making them the only fatalities in the incident so far.

In addition, at least two personnel on board the fire truck sustained serious injuries, including fractures, but are reported to be in stable condition.

Some crew members of the aircraft were also injured, though passengers reportedly escaped without major harm.

Emergency response and airport shutdown

Following the collision, emergency services rushed to the scene, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately imposed a ground stop at LaGuardia Airport.

The airport was temporarily shut down, leading to widespread disruptions. Several incoming flights were diverted, while departures were delayed or cancelled as authorities secured the area and began rescue operations.

Images from the scene showed the aircraft with a heavily damaged nose, surrounded by emergency crews and vehicles.

Fire truck responding to another incident

Preliminary information suggests that the fire truck involved in the collision was responding to a separate emergency at the airport when the crash occurred.

There are also indications that air traffic control had issued instructions to the vehicle shortly before the collision, though the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

Probe launched into accident

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with the FAA, has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. A “Go Team” has been dispatched to determine the cause of the crash and examine whether weather conditions, communication lapses, or operational errors played a role.

Weather conditions at the time reportedly included rain and reduced visibility, which may have contributed to the accident.

Major safety concerns raised

The incident has once again raised serious questions about runway safety and coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles at busy international airports.

Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses, while Air Canada and its regional operator Jazz Aviation have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased pilots.