Authorities have identified the two pilots killed in an Air Canada Express crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport as Antoine Forest, 30, from Québec, and Mackenzie Gunther, a recent aviation graduate from Toronto.
The collision occurred late Sunday when the aircraft struck a fire truck on the runway, injuring 41 people and forcing the airport to shut down until Monday afternoon. Both pilots were pronounced dead at the scene, while emergency crews transported passengers and ground personnel to hospital.
Officials said the flight, operated by Jazz Aviation from Montreal, had been cleared to land, while the fire truck had also been authorized to cross the runway. Audio recordings indicate an air traffic controller issued a last-second warning before the impact.
Investigators said early findings suggest a ground radar system did not provide a timely alert, and the fire vehicle was not equipped with a transponder that could have improved detection. The National Transportation Safety Board said the inquiry remains ongoing, including interviews with controllers on duty.
Tributes have been paid to the pilots, described as early in their careers. Authorities said the investigation will focus on system performance and coordination, with further updates expected as more evidence is reviewed.
