NTSB: Misread 'stop' warning helped spark LaGuardia crash
NTSB: Misread 'stop' warning helped spark LaGuardia crash
An Air Canada Express flight landed as a fire truck crossed the runway; investigators say a 'stop' warning was heard but not clearly directed at the truck, and no automatic alert was triggered.
On March 22, a fire truck leading a convoy crossed LaGuardia's runway as an Air Canada Express CRJ900 was landing. The plane carried more than 70 people; two pilots, Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, were killed, and about 40 people were taken to hospitals.
In a preliminary NTSB report, investigators said the fire truck was cleared to cross the runway roughly 12 seconds before touchdown. The runway crossing lights were on until about three seconds before the intersection, and no audio or visual alert in the control tower was triggered to warn crossing traffic.
As the truck turned left to clear the crossing, the plane was still speeding toward the runway. The turret operator recalled hearing 'Truck 1, stop, stop, stop' from the controller but did not immediately realize the warning referred to his vehicle until it was too late.
LaGuardia's tower was unusually busy that night due to flight delays after 10 p.m., contributing to the high workload for controllers and crews.
Investigators also highlighted the absence of transponders on fire trucks, a factor that could have supported an automatic warning system for controllers. The broader findings point to gaps in warning mechanisms and communications that can have tragic consequences.
The NTSB's work continues, and authorities emphasize the need for clearer warnings and stronger safety measures in busy airport operations.
