Two Air Traffic Controllers Left Early on Night of Fatal Air Canada Crash
New details have emerged in the investigation into the March 22 collision at New York LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express aircraft and an ARFF vehicle. According to a source familiar with the investigation, two air traffic controllers working in the tower that night left their positions before the end of their scheduled shifts.
Air Canada Express Flight 8646, arriving in New York from Montreal, collided after landing with an airport fire vehicle that was crossing a taxiway to respond to another incident. Both pilots were killed in the crash, while dozens of people were injured. The aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is reportedly considering disciplinary action against the two controllers. Both are currently on leave and are not performing active air traffic control duties. The FAA said it would hold employees accountable and would not compromise the safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System.
The NTSB investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The final report, including the probable cause and contributing factors, is expected to be released in approximately six months.
