Two LaGuardia controllers reportedly left early before fatal runway collision

Two air traffic controllers reportedly left their posts early on the night an Air Canada Express aircraft collided with an airport fire truck at New York LaGuardia Airport, killing both pilots.

Flight AC8646, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal, had just landed on 22 March when it struck the emergency vehicle as the truck crossed the taxiway to respond to another incident. Dozens of passengers were injured.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, the two controllers departed substantially before the end of their shifts. Both have since been placed on leave and are no longer controlling air traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration is reportedly considering disciplinary action.

The FAA said it was committed to holding employees accountable without compromising the safety or efficiency of the US airspace system. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it was discussing the allegations with FAA management but declined to confirm possible disciplinary measures.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the collision. Its final report, including the probable cause and contributing factors, is not expected for at least another six months.

The controllers’ early departure is a significant line of inquiry, but investigators have not yet established whether staffing in the tower contributed to the collision.