The accident occurred near LGA's Runway 04 as the aircraft was performing its landing while a fire truck was simultaneously cleared to cross the runway. The airport has now suspended all operations as emergency services tend to the injured. This sudden halt in air traffic underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to ensure the well-being of those involved.
The collision reportedly occurred when Jazz Airlines Flight 646, an Air Canada Express service from Montreal, collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia on Sunday night. According to Flightradar24 data , the aircraft had landed at 11:37 PM local time following a one-hour flight from Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The fact that the aircraft was still moving when it encountered the fire truck raises serious questions about air traffic control procedures and the effectiveness of safety protocols in place.
Images of the aftermath reveal catastrophic damage to the front of the CRJ-900, which had tipped back onto its tail, leaving its gnarled cockpit and front fuselage in an elevated position. Along with the two reported fatalities, five more individuals are said to be critically injured, with as many as 70 injuries among passengers. Critical injuries have also been reported among the firefighters occupying the truck. The severity of these injuries underscores the devastating consequences of this accident.
The on-duty controller's frantic calls for the fire truck to stop and Jazz Airlines Flight 646 to hold position highlight the chaos and confusion that ensued during the accident. Air traffic control (ATC) recordings reveal that the fire truck, identified as Truck 1, requested clearance to cross Runway 04 at Delta, which was granted. However, moments later, a controller frantically ordered the truck to stop as Flight 646 was speeding along the runway.
The controller's experience of dealing with another emergency at the time of the accident raises concerns about the ability of air traffic control teams to manage multiple crises simultaneously. The fact that this incident occurred during a period of high operational activity underscores the need for improved communication and coordination between different stakeholders in airport operations.
Flightradar24 data shows that the CRJ-900's last recorded ground speed was 21 kts, although its speed at the time of impact will almost certainly have been much higher. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ground stop at LaGuardia following the accident, grinding all operations to a halt. This decision reflects the FAA's commitment to prioritizing safety and minimizing risks in air traffic control.
Inbound flights have now been diverted to nearby airports, including New York JFK (JFK) and Newark (EWR). According to the Port Authority of NY & NJ, LaGuardia sees an average of over 400 flights per day. Passengers in the New York area have been warned to expect flight cancelations and disruptions due to the ongoing investigation into this incident.
The accident at LaGuardia serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and attention to detail in airport operations. As air traffic control teams work to identify the root causes of this incident, it is essential that they also prioritize transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it is crucial that all stakeholders – including airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies – work together to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in airport operations, particularly when emergency services are involved.
