What we know about the LaGuardia plane and fire truck crash
What we know about the LaGuardia plane and fire truck crash
Two pilots who perished in the collision between a commercial aircraft and a Port Authority fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Sunday have been identified as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther. While official names have not yet been announced, Canadian media and a university associated with one of the pilots have confirmed their identities. Both individuals were employed by Canada Air Express and were based in Canada, according to statements from regulatory bodies.
Investigation into the Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the incident to uncover the sequence of events. Key focus is on how the fire truck maneuvered across the jet’s path shortly after it landed on the runway. Initial findings from the cockpit voice recorder, shared at a Tuesday news briefing, reveal critical moments leading to the collision.
“The fire truck was authorized to cross the runway 20 seconds prior to the crash,” stated Doug Brazy, senior aviation investigator with the NTSB. “The flight crew communicated with the tower at 2 minutes and 22 seconds, confirming their approach.”
Brazy noted that at 2 minutes and 17 seconds, the tower granted the plane permission to land on Runway 4. However, a transmission from an airport vehicle was “overridden” by another signal at 1 minute and 3 seconds, indicating possible radio interference. The tower also confirmed the plane was in a stable approach at 54 seconds, with the fire truck requesting to cross Runway 4 at 25 seconds.
Controller Roles and Confusion
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy highlighted the roles of the two controllers present during the crash. The local controller oversees active runways and surrounding airspace, while the in-charge controller manages overall safety operations. A third role—clearance delivery controller—was also part of the system, though its duties remain under scrutiny.
“We are still determining who was responsible for ground control tasks,” Homendy explained. “Some reports suggest the in-charge controller handled it, while others point to the local controller.”
Both controllers were active during the incident: the local one logged in at 10:45 p.m., and the in-charge controller arrived at 10:30 p.m. Homendy emphasized that dual control is standard for the midnight shift but noted concerns about fatigue from previous investigations.
Heroic Actions by the Pilots
The pilots’ quick response during the crash likely saved the lives of 72 passengers and two crew members. Despite the impact, most injured individuals received treatment for minor wounds and were released, though a few remain hospitalized with severe injuries.
Jack Cabot, a 22-year-old passenger returning home from a spring break ski trip, recounted the moment of impact. From his seat in the 18th row, he described feeling the plane decelerate rapidly before the collision. He sustained a cheek bruise and neck strain, but the pilots’ actions prevented a more catastrophic outcome.
