3 days ago
LaGuardia Controllers Faced Discipline After Fatal Runway Crash
On March 22, an Air Canada Express plane crashed into a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.
The plane was landing while the truck was crossing the runway.
Both pilots died, and 39 other people went to hospitals.
Investigators are examining whether the number of air traffic controllers working that night was a factor.
Two controllers reportedly left about an hour before their shifts ended.
That left two controllers handling many flights and an emergency involving another airplane.
The Federal Aviation Administration may discipline or fire the two controllers.
Investigators also found that the fire truck had no transponder and that warning systems did not properly show a possible collision.
The official cause of the crash will not be known until the National Transportation Safety Board completes its investigation.
Two LaGuardia air traffic controllers reportedly left about an hour before their scheduled shifts ended on March 22.
The Federal Aviation Administration is pursuing disciplinary action that could include firing the controllers.
Only two controllers remained in the tower as flight traffic surged and an emergency response was underway.
The National Transportation Safety Board said a fire truck entered the runway while warning lights were still active and lacked a transponder.
The Air Canada Express crash killed both pilots, injured 39 people, and remains under investigation.
- Who
- Air Canada Express Flight 8646, its pilots and passengers, a LaGuardia fire-truck crew, and air traffic controllers were involved.
- What
- The plane collided with a fire truck crossing the runway, killing both pilots; two controllers reportedly left work early beforehand.
- Where
- LaGuardia Airport in New York.
- When
- The crash occurred at 11:37 p.m. on March 22.
- Why
- The cause has not been determined; investigators are examining staffing, runway warnings, the truck's lack of a transponder, and other factors.
Accountability Concerns
Operational Context
Leaving before the scheduled shift ended
Accountability Concerns
Federal officials and former aviation officials said controllers paid for eight-hour shifts are expected to remain for the full period; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the conduct timecard fraud.
Operational Context
Experts and retired officials said early departures, known as an "early shove," are a common nationwide practice when a required break falls at the end of a shift.
Whether staffing contributed to the crash
Accountability Concerns
Investigators and critics said the departing controllers could have provided backup while traffic increased and another aircraft emergency was being handled.
Operational Context
The crash involved several other factors, including a fire truck cleared to cross while warning lights remained active, the truck's lack of a transponder, and the absence of a system alert; the final cause is not yet known.
Discipline during an ongoing investigation
Accountability Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration said employees must be held accountable and is pursuing action that could include firing.
Operational Context
The National Transportation Safety Board declined to comment while its investigation continues, and the union said it is discussing the allegations with Federal Aviation Administration leadership.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ900 regional jet from Montreal
- People aboard
- 76 people
- Fatalities
- Pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther were killed
- Other injuries
- 39 people were taken to hospitals, including six described as seriously injured
- Tower staffing
- Two controllers were on duty when the crash occurred
- Traffic conditions
- More than a dozen flights arrived between 11 p.m. and the crash, while weather delays more than doubled scheduled activity after 10 p.m.
- Investigation
- The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating and expects to publish a final report, likely next year
Quotes
Tom Lintner
A former FAA official and former LaGuardia air traffic controller.
“The vast majority of air-traffic controllers are great patriots - they show up for work, complete their full shift, and come back and do it all again. But when a small percentage of individuals take advantage of the American taxpayer, unfairly add additional work to their fellow controllers, and impact the airspace - we have no choice but to act.”
NDTV
“None of that excuses the issue about when you get paid for eight hours, you're supposed to be there for eight hours. Seven and a half doesn't count”
NDTV
Federal Aviation Administration
The federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing U.S. aviation.
“is committed to holding employees accountable, and we will not compromise the safety or efficiency of the national airspace system.”
NDTV
Sources
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