A pilot killed in the fiery runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has been identified as Antoine Forest, according to his family. The crash, which occurred late Sunday night, claimed the lives of both pilots and left dozens injured.
What Happened
The incident involved an Air Canada regional flight operated by Jazz Aviation. Flight 8646 had just landed from Montreal around 11:45 p.m. when it collided with a Port Authority rescue vehicle on the runway.
Preliminary data shows the aircraft was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the time of impact. The fire truck had been responding to another aircraft when the collision occurred.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Officials reported that at least 43 people—including passengers and crew—were transported to nearby hospitals. The flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members.
Passengers described a sudden, forceful stop moments before impact. One traveler said those seated near emergency exits quickly opened doors and evacuated onto the wing before being guided to safety by first responders.
Airport Shutdown and Ongoing Investigation
Following the crash, LaGuardia Airport shut down operations for more than 12 hours, resuming limited service Monday afternoon. The affected runway is expected to remain closed through Friday morning.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, including reviewing air traffic control procedures and runway activity at the time.
Remembering the Victims
Passengers credited the pilots with preventing a greater tragedy, saying their actions likely saved lives. As the investigation continues, the aviation community is mourning the loss of two crew members who died in the line of duty.
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