NTSB Had to ‘Beg’ TSA to Get Investigator of Fatal LaGuardia Crash: Report

**Investigation Underway Following Fatal Collision at LaGuardia Airport**

A tragic accident at LaGuardia Airport in New York City has left two pilots dead and numerous passengers injured following a midair collision between a passenger jet and a firetruck late on 22 March 2026. The incident, which occurred around 11:40 p.m. local time, has prompted an in-depth investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), although progress has been hampered by technical challenges stemming from a partial government shutdown.

Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the NTSB, disclosed the investigation’s delays during a press briefing on 23 March, citing difficulties in assembling the necessary team of experts. She detailed how several investigators encountered significant delays at various airports due to prolonged security lines managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). For instance, one investigator was marooned in Houston for three hours, resulting in the NTSB pleading for assistance to expedite their passage through security.

Homendy highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing government shutdown, which has restricted resources and access to personnel needed for the investigation. To facilitate the inquiry, she personally undertook a drive from Washington, D.C. to New York, a statement reflecting the urgency of the situation. Although some team members are expected to arrive in the early hours of 24 March, the full breadth of the investigation’s timeline remains uncertain.

The tragic events unfolded while Air Canada Flight 8646 was landing. Reports indicate that the passenger aircraft collided with a Port Authority firetruck responding to an unrelated emergency incident. Although the firetruck had initially received clearance from air traffic control to cross the runway, urgent warnings were later relayed to halt its movements. The circumstances surrounding the firetruck’s actions immediately preceding the collision are still under investigation.

According to initial reports, the collision resulted in the deaths of two pilots, including Antoine Forest. In addition, 41 individuals aboard the plane—comprising both passengers and crew—sustained injuries; fortunately, 32 have since been discharged from hospital care, though many remain in serious condition.

Among the injured is Solange Tremblay, a flight attendant who survived a harrowing ordeal during the crash. She was reportedly ejected from the aircraft and landed over 320 feet away from the wreckage while still strapped into her seat, fortunately escaping with multiple fractures. Her daughter, Sarah Lépine, offered a moving account of her mother’s survival, describing it as a “complete miracle” while detailing her expected surgery for a broken leg.

Passenger Rebecca Liquori, aged 35, recounted her experience during the moment of impact. She indicated that turbulence was felt as the flight approached landing. As the aircraft jolted, passengers could hear the pilot attempting to brake, an effort presumably made to avoid the impending collision. Liquori described how the force of the impact caused everyone to be thrown from their seats in the cabin.

In the wake of the disaster, the aircraft remained on the runway for over 12 hours, significantly disrupting operations at LaGuardia Airport. The runway affected by the crash is anticipated to remain closed for several days while investigations and necessary clean-ups are conducted. The airport did reopen roughly two hours after the plane was removed from the scene, but disruptions are expected to persist.

The incident at LaGuardia marks yet another reminder of the potential dangers involved in aviation operations, particularly at busy airports where multiple incidents can occur simultaneously. As the NTSB engages in its investigation, further updates are expected regarding both the causes of the collision and the wellbeing of the victims involved.

As of now, additional details about the victims and the firetruck’s crew remain unclear. The NTSB’s thorough examination will hopefully provide answers and insights that can prevent similar tragedies in the future.