NTSB Details Timeline of LaGuardia Runway Collision Between CRJ900, Fire Truck

NEW YORK — The National Transportation Safety Board has released preliminary details of a runway collision involving a Jazz Aviation Air Canada Express flight at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026. Investigators opened case DCA26MA161 after Bombardier CRJ900 Flight 8646 collided with Fire Truck 1 during landing operations on Runway 4. The impact resulted in the first officer being ejected from the aircraft, though all aspects remain under investigation.

Critical Timeline Revealed

Key preliminary data recovered from the cockpit voice recorder and air traffic control communications shows a compressed sequence of events leading to the collision. The crew lowered landing gear at T-minus 2 minutes 45 seconds, with the aircraft cleared to land as number two just 28 seconds later. Fire rescue vehicles had responded to United Flight 2384 following cabin fumes after two aborted takeoffs at T-minus 2 minutes 22 seconds. In the final moments, the tower instructed Truck 1 to stop just 9 seconds before impact — one second after this command, the aircraft touched down.

System Limitations Under Scrutiny

The airport's surface detection system (ASDE-X) failed to alert controllers due to close proximity of vehicles creating overlapping radar returns, preventing high-confidence tracking of Truck 1's position. LaGuardia management and the Port Authority are now questioning staffing levels and safety systems following the incident. The NTSB emphasized that no blame has been assigned to personnel or systems at this preliminary stage. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report scheduled for completion in 12 to 24 months.