A fatal collision between Air Canada Express Flight 8646 and a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport killed two pilots and closed the airport from midnight to 2 p.m. ET on March 23, 2026. The Jazz Aviation CRJ-900, arriving from Montreal with 72 passengers and 4 crew, struck the fire truck at 93–105 mph during landing; 39–43 passengers were injured, most released from hospitals. The airport has since reopened, but dozens of flights were canceled during the 14-hour closure.
The fire truck had air traffic control clearance to cross the runway but was ordered to stop seconds before impact. The NTSB has deployed a “go team” to investigate — preliminary findings typically arrive within 1–2 weeks.
Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport at approximately 11:45 p.m. ET on March 22, 2026, killing both pilots and forcing a full airport closure that lasted until 2 p.m. ET on March 23. The Jazz Aviation CRJ-900, operating the Montreal–New York route, was traveling at 93–105 mph when it struck the fire truck, which had been responding to a separate rejected takeoff by another aircraft.
Seventy-two passengers and four crew members were aboard. Between 39 and 43 passengers sustained injuries, though most were treated and released from area hospitals within hours. The two pilots — the only fatalities — were pronounced dead at the scene.
The fire truck had received air traffic control clearance to cross Runway 4 but was ordered to stop seconds before the collision. The NTSB has launched a full investigation, deploying a “go team” to secure the wreckage and interview witnesses. Preliminary findings are expected within 1–2 weeks.
LaGuardia reopened at 2 p.m. ET on March 23 after FAA inspectors cleared Runway 4 for operations. Travelers with bookings on Air Canada, Delta, United, or American Airlines during the closure window faced mandatory rebooking to JFK or Newark, with delays ranging from 2 to 24 hours. The Port Authority estimates that approximately 10,000 passengers were affected by the 14-hour shutdown.
What happened on Runway 4
Flight 8646 departed Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on schedule and was cleared for landing on Runway 4 at LaGuardia. At the same time, a Port Authority fire truck was responding to a rejected takeoff by another aircraft — a routine emergency response that requires crossing active runways under ATC coordination.
The fire truck received clearance to cross Runway 4, but air traffic control issued a stop order seconds before the Jazz Aviation CRJ-900 made contact. The aircraft, traveling at 93–105 mph during its landing roll, struck the fire truck with enough force to kill both pilots instantly. Passengers reported a violent impact followed by smoke and confusion as emergency crews evacuated the aircraft.
This marks LaGuardia’s first fatal crash in 37 years. The last deadly incident occurred in 1989, when a Fairchild Metroliner collided with a Cessna on the runway, killing seven. That crash led to decades of ground safety improvements, including enhanced runway lighting, updated ATC protocols, and stricter vehicle coordination procedures.
The NTSB’s preliminary report will focus on three areas: whether the fire truck stopped in time, whether ATC clearance protocols were followed, and whether the CRJ-900’s crew had adequate visibility of the fire truck during the landing roll. NTSB go teams typically spend 7–10 days on-site before releasing initial findings.
| Time (ET) | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 11:45 p.m. March 22 | Collision on Runway 4 | Immediate runway closure, emergency response |
| 3:16 a.m. March 23 | Official airport closure | All departures/arrivals halted |
| 2:00 p.m. March 23 | Airport reopens | Operations resume, backlog clearing |
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How the aviation system responds to ground collisions
The FAA certifies LaGuardia under 14 CFR Part 139, which governs airport operations, and oversees Air Canada and Jazz Aviation through a bilateral US-Canada agreement. Both carriers undergo annual audits aligned with IOSA standards, covering flight operations, maintenance, and crew training.
The NTSB leads all ground incident investigations under 49 USC §11301. Its “go team” — a group of specialists in aircraft systems, human factors, and air traffic control — arrives on-site within hours to secure wreckage, interview witnesses, and download flight data recorders. The team typically spends 7–10 days gathering evidence before releasing a preliminary report, which outlines known facts without assigning blame. A final report, which includes probable cause and safety recommendations, follows 12–18 months later.
Runway 4 reopened after FAA inspectors confirmed no structural damage and verified that debris had been cleared. No fleet hold was issued for Jazz Aviation CRJ-900s, meaning the aircraft type remains in service across North America. If the preliminary report cites ATC or fire truck error, Air Canada operations will resume without additional scrutiny. If pilot error is identified, Jazz Aviation will face mandatory training audits and potential procedural changes.
Rebooking and refunds for affected travelers
If you had a confirmed Air Canada or Jazz Aviation booking from LaGuardia on March 23: Call Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262 or use the airline’s mobile app to rebook to JFK or Newark. The airline is offering full refunds for passengers who choose not to travel, per DOT rules requiring refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of notice.
If you’re planning a new trip to New York: Book directly to JFK or Newark to avoid LaGuardia’s residual delays. Delta and United maintain high-frequency service to both airports, with seat availability returning to normal levels as of March 24. Monitor LaGuardia’s official status page for updates on any lingering operational disruptions.
If you were in transit to LaGuardia during the closure: Check your airline’s app for gate changes to JFK Terminal 8 (Delta) or Newark Terminal C (United). Taxis and ride-hailing services experienced surge pricing during the closure window, with fares from JFK to Manhattan reaching $80–120 compared to the usual $50–70.
Watch: The NTSB’s preliminary report, expected within 1–2 weeks, will clarify whether the fire truck or ATC protocols contributed to the collision. If the report cites fire truck error, it signals faster clearance for Air Canada operations and no fleet-wide grounding. If pilot error is identified, Jazz Aviation will face mandatory training audits.
FAQ
Will Air Canada flights from LaGuardia resume normally?
Yes. LaGuardia reopened at 2 p.m. ET on March 23, and Air Canada resumed its full schedule on March 24. No fleet hold was issued for Jazz Aviation CRJ-900s, meaning the aircraft type remains in service across North America.
Can I get a refund if my flight was canceled during the closure?
Yes. DOT rules require airlines to offer full refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of notice. Contact Air Canada at 1-888-247-2262 or use the airline’s mobile app to request a refund if you choose not to rebook.
How long will the NTSB investigation take?
The NTSB typically releases a preliminary report within 1–2 weeks, outlining known facts without assigning blame. A final report, including probable cause and safety recommendations, follows 12–18 months later.
Is it safe to fly through LaGuardia now?
Yes. The FAA cleared Runway 4 for operations after confirming no structural damage and verifying that debris had been cleared. LaGuardia’s safety protocols remain in place, and the airport has resumed normal operations.
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