Two Air Canada pilots have died after their plane collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada Express carrier Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), departed Montreal on Sunday carrying 72 passengers and four crew members who authorities say were all accounted for.
At approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada was involved in an incident on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport in which the aircraft struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle that was responding to a separate…
— LaGuardia Airport (@LGAairport) March 23, 2026
Photos circulating online show the Air Canada jet tilted upward on top of the vehicle, with severe damage to the front of the plane.
LaGuardia Airport says the Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting vehicle was responding to a separate incident on the runway when it was struck at approximately 11:40 p.m.
According to audio posted to Live ATC.net, air traffic control workers can be heard over the radio, telling the ground vehicle to stop, as well as one employee saying, “I messed up.”
Air Canada says they cannot confirm the exact number of injuries or if there are any other fatalities at this time. However, according to various sources, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey say 41 passengers and crew were taken to hospital, and 32 were eventually released. Some of those who are still in hospital have serious injuries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the crash in an online post in both French and English, saying the news of the collision is deeply distressing.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also extended his condolences on social media.
Saddened to hear of the awful news of the plane collision at LaGuardia Airport.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) March 23, 2026
My thoughts are with the families of the two pilots who lost their lives, and hope for the many injured in hospital to make a full recovery.
Officials say the situation is developing based on preliminary information, and that 572 flights have been cancelled so far while all arrivals and departures from LaGuardia Airport have been cancelled or delayed until further notice. The airport will remain closed until at least 2:00 pm local time.
In a statement from Air Canada, the company says it’s cooperating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States while they conduct their investigation. The TSBC says a team of investigators is enroute to New York. A phone line has also been set up for those in need of assistance.
We have set up a phone line for friends and family of passengers on Air Canada Express flight #AC8646 on Mar. 22,2026; they can call 1-800-961-7099 for assistance.
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 23, 2026
More to come…
