LaGuardia: Pilots ID'd in Fatal Air Canada Crash; Runway Incursion Probe Focuses on Controller Fatigue

An Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck on a runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of passengers and firefighters. The NTSB and FAA have launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on how the fire truck came to be on the active runway during the landing sequence. Runway 4 is expected to remain closed for several days as investigators process the scene. The crash involved Air Canada Flight AC8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, from Montreal. The CRJ-900 aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. Audio recordings indicate the air traffic controller initially cleared the fire truck to cross the runway but then frantically tried to stop it as the plane approached. ## Latest Update The two pilots killed in the crash have been identified as Captain Antoine Forest, 30, and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther. Passengers are praising the pilots' actions as life-saving. ## Timeline * **2026-03-23T11:35:12Z:** Two Air Canada pilots were killed, and several others were injured in a plane crash at LaGuardia Airport. * **2026-03-23T11:53:02Z:** LaGuardia Airport was shut down following the deadly plane crash. * **2026-03-23T19:44:38Z:** An Air Canada plane struck a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia, killing two. Authorities are investigating air traffic control coordination. * **2026-03-23T19:59:13Z:** Video shows the Air Canada jet colliding with a fire truck. An air traffic controller appears to have given clearance for the truck to cross the tarmac before frantically asking the driver to stop. * **2026-03-24T03:23:55Z:** A jet landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck, killing the pilot and co-pilot. * **2026-03-24T03:24:04Z:** The NTSB and FAA are expected to launch a full investigation into the runway incursion. * **2026-03-24T03:32:46Z:** A flight attendant was thrown from the aircraft but survived. The NTSB and FAA have launched a full investigation into the communication failure or operational error. * **2026-03-24T04:00:33Z:** Investigators are probing the air traffic controller, examining controller fatigue and workload. * **2026-03-24T11:53:07Z:** An Air Canada passenger reported that the pilots’ quick actions were instrumental in saving lives. * **2026-03-24T11:57:08Z:** Passengers are hailing the deceased pilots as heroes. * **2026-03-24T19:23:51Z:** Passengers taxiing at LaGuardia can see the crash site. Runway 4 will likely remain closed for several days. * **2026-03-25T11:51:21Z:** The pilots killed in the crash have been identified as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther. ## What to Watch * The NTSB and FAA investigation will likely focus on air traffic control procedures, controller workload and fatigue, and the circumstances leading to the fire truck's presence on the runway. * Expect further details to emerge from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. * Monitor for potential changes to air traffic control protocols or airport safety procedures as a result of the investigation.