NTSB Releases Timeline of Fatal LaGuardia Runway Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board released a detailed timeline of the fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport on March 23, 2026. An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire-rescue truck on Runway 4, killing two pilots and injuring ground personnel and passengers.

Critical Final Minutes

Cockpit voice recorder data covers the final three minutes before impact, revealing critical air traffic control instructions. Forty seconds before collision, the tower asked which vehicle required a runway crossing, followed by clearance for Truck One to cross at Taxiway Delta. Despite a stop instruction from the tower nine seconds before touchdown, the aircraft landed as the truck remained on the active runway.

Investigation Continues

NTSB investigators are focusing on air traffic control communications, surface movement systems and decision-making procedures in the final seconds. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed the board will convene a cockpit voice recorder group to review the transcript, noting that all information remains preliminary as the investigation continues.