NTSB: Missed warning and lack of tracking technology led to deadly LaGuardia collision

A preliminary investigation into last month’s fatal runway collision at New York LaGuardia Airport has identified critical communication failures and missing safety technology as key factors in the accident.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the driver of a fire truck involved in the crash heard repeated radio instructions to “stop” but did not realise the warning was directed at their vehicle. Only seconds later—after a colleague recognised the call—the truck had already entered Runway 4, directly into the path of a landing aircraft.

The collision occurred just after Air Canada Express Flight AC8646 touched down. The impact killed both pilots and injured 33 people, including six seriously.

Investigators also highlighted a significant technical gap: none of the airport’s emergency vehicles was equipped with transponders compatible with the ASDE-X surface surveillance system. This system is designed to track aircraft and ground vehicles in real time and issue alerts if a collision risk is detected.

On the night of the crash, although multiple emergency vehicles were visible as radar targets, the system could not accurately distinguish or track them due to their proximity. As a result, it failed to generate either a visual or audible warning for air traffic controllers.

The report suggests that, had the vehicles been properly equipped, the system might have identified the conflict in time to prevent the accident. The investigation is ongoing, with further findings expected to address procedural and technological shortcomings in more detail.