A routine landing turned into a deadly disaster at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night when an Air Canada regional jet collided with an emergency response vehicle on the runway, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of passengers and first responders.
The aircraft, a CRJ-900 operating as Air Canada Express Flight 8646, had arrived from Montreal with 72 passengers and four crew members on board when it struck a Port Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) truck during landing.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the pilot and the first officer were killed in this accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families. Air Canada cannot confirm the exact number of injuries or if there are other fatalities at this time,” a statement from Air Canada confirmed.
The emergency vehicle had been responding to a separate incident involving another aircraft when it was cleared to cross the runway moments before the incoming jet touched down.
Air traffic control audio circulating online captures the chaos in real time, with frantic warnings to the truck to stop seconds before impact.
In an official statement, the aircraft’s operator, Jazz Aviation, described the moment as devastating:
“Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected.”
Air Canada said it is working closely with authorities and has directed inquiries to Jazz Aviation, which operated the flight under the Air Canada Express banner.
The airline also confirmed it is assisting affected passengers and coordinating support for families.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as debris scattered across the runway. Survivors were evacuated, and injured passengers, crew, and two first responders aboard the truck were transported to nearby hospitals.
“Emergency services are on site taking care of injured passengers, and some have been transported to local hospitals,” the statement read.
The crash forced the immediate shutdown of LaGuardia Airport, triggering hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions, with ripple effects across major U.S. travel hubs.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched a full investigation into the incident.
Below is the Statement released by Air Canada.
Air Canada Provides Update on Air Canada Express Flight AC8646
MONTRÉAL, March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Jazz Aviation Mitsubishi CRJ-900 was involved in an accident upon landing at New York LaGuardia on March 22, 2026.
Flight AC8646, operated by Air Canada Express carrier Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz), originated from Montréal. The preliminary passenger list indicates the airplane was carrying approximately 72 passengers and four crew members, although this is subject to confirmation. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 pm.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the pilot and the first officer were killed in this accident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees, and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families.
Air Canada cannot confirm the exact number of injuries or if there are other fatalities at this time.
Emergency services are on site taking care of injured passengers, and some have been transported to local hospitals.
No further details are available at this time; however, Air Canada and Jazz will continue to issue regular updates as information becomes known.
Air Canada and Jazz Aviation teams are preparing to make their way to the site and details will be provided through additional statements as soon as possible.
Air Canada and Jazz Aviation are cooperating with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States in the investigation of the cause of this incident.
Family and friends who need information about passengers on Air Canada Express flight AC8646 may telephone Air Canada at 1-800-961-7099.
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