Two Pilots Dead After CRJ-900 Runway Incident at LaGuardia

Two pilots have died following a runway incident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 and a ground vehicle, triggering a major emergency response and forcing the temporary closure of the airport as federal authorities launch an investigation.

According to initial reports, the aircraft, identified as an Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 (reg. C-GNJZ, MSN: 15052) operated by Jazz Aviation, had just landed when it collided with a Port Authority vehicle responding to a separate issue on the airfield. The incident is said to have occurred late Sunday night on Runway 4.

Operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) are at a standstill in the early morning hours of Monday, March 23, 2026.

The incident occurred as a Port Authority fire truck was crossing Runway 04 via Taxiway D to respond to United Airlines Flight 2384, a Boeing 737-8 that had reported a strong odor following two aborted takeoffs from Runway 13. According to preliminary information, the air traffic controller, handling both ground and tower operations, initially cleared the emergency vehicle to cross the runway. However, as an Air Canada Express Bombardier CRJ-900 approached on short final, the controller issued multiple instructions for the truck to stop. Flight tracking data shows the CRJ-900 was traveling at approximately 114 knots (211 km/h) as it reached Taxiway D, highlighting the extremely limited margin for error during the attempted runway crossing.

Emergency services responded quickly, with passengers evacuated from the aircraft. Reports indicate that multiple passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment, though the severity of injuries has not been fully confirmed.

Authorities including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NTSB is expected to deploy a specialized investigative team to the scene.

LaGuardia Airport operations were suspended following the event, with officials initially indicating closures could extend into Monday as investigators assess runway conditions and collect evidence.

Preliminary information suggests the ground vehicle may have been responding to a separate operational issue at the airport at the time of the collision. Air traffic control procedures and coordination between aircraft and ground operations are expected to be a central focus of the investigation.

Air Canada has activated its customer support protocols to assist passengers and families, while airport authorities are working to manage flight disruptions and resume operations as soon as safely possible.

Officials have not yet released a confirmed timeline or detailed findings, and the investigation remains ongoing. Travelers are advised to check flight status updates and expect delays as the situation develops.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviation-safety.net