SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
On 22 March, an Air Canada Express regional jet was involved in a serious ground collision with an airport fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport, United States forcing a temporary closure of the airport and disrupting operations across the New York area.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR registered C-GNJZ and operated by Jazz Aviation on behalf of Air Canada, was operating flight AC8646 from Montreal, Canada to New York LaGuardia when the incident occurred.
According to initial information, the aircraft had just landed on Runway 4 and was decelerating when it collided with a Port Authority fire and rescue vehicle that had entered the runway while responding to another situation. The impact occurred at relatively low speed but caused substantial damage to the nose section of the aircraft.
Approximately 70 passengers and four crew members were on board. Initial reports indicate that several injuries have been reported among passengers, ground personnel, and the flight crew. Officials have now confirmed that both the pilot and co-pilot, who were initially reported to have survived with serious injuries, have tragically succumbed to their injuries following the collision.
SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
Following the collision, operations at LaGuardia were immediately suspended. A ground stop was issued, halting departures and causing inbound flights to be diverted or delayed. At the time of writing, there has been no full confirmation that normal operations have resumed, with significant disruption expected even after reopening.
Early imagery of the aircraft shows the nose in a downward position, while other photos taken later appear to show the nose raised. This variation is likely the result of changes in weight distribution and structural damage to the forward fuselage following the impact, which can alter the aircraft’s resting attitude on the ground.
A passenger on board Air Canada Express Jazz 646, identified as Brady, has shared a firsthand account of the terrifying moments following the crash, along with photos from the scene as the aircraft remained on the tarmac.
Here is his account:
“I was on this flight and we are… https://t.co/uzd9lUZFKp pic.twitter.com/C4R1SqvG3M— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) March 23, 2026
Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Circled is TRUCK 1, which collided with Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 at LaGuardia. pic.twitter.com/kd0hPEacO6
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) March 23, 2026
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