Tragic Runway Collision at LaGuardia Airport Claims Two Pilots

A devastating runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has claimed the lives of two pilots, MacKenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest. The incident occurred when an Air Canada Express flight struck a firefighting vehicle during landing. With 41 individuals injured, investigations are underway to uncover the circumstances leading to this tragic event. Authorities from both the US and Canada are collaborating to determine the cause of the accident, focusing on communication breakdowns that may have contributed to the collision. This incident highlights the risks faced by aviation professionals and the need for stringent safety measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 03:24 IST

Details of the Incident

The recent runway accident at LaGuardia Airport has led to the identification of the second pilot who tragically lost his life. MacKenzie Gunther, serving as the First Officer, was among the two crew members who perished when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a firefighting vehicle during its landing late Sunday night, as reported by CBC News.

Gunther's colleague, pilot Antoine Forest, also lost his life in the incident. Forest hailed from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec. The aircraft involved was a CRJ-900, operated by Jazz Aviation for Air Canada, which was en route from Montreal to New York, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.

Officials stated that the plane struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway while landing. Audio from air traffic control indicates that the vehicle had received clearance to cross the runway shortly before the collision. Following the incident, a controller was heard admitting, “I messed up,” suggesting a potential lapse in communication.

The collision resulted in 41 individuals, including passengers and crew, being transported to hospitals, with nine still undergoing treatment for their injuries, some of which are serious. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed condolences, referring to the deceased pilots as “two young men at the start of their careers,” underscoring the profound loss.

Authorities from both the US and Canada have initiated a collaborative investigation into the crash. Canada’s Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the commitment to uncovering the full details of the incident. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has dispatched a team to support the National Transportation Safety Board in their inquiry.

As investigators continue to analyze the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the primary focus remains on understanding how a routine runway crossing escalated into a fatal collision that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries.

This is breaking news.