Deadly LaGuardia runway crash under investigation after warning system failed
The National Transportation Safety Board says the system did not activate because the fire truck did not have transponder equipment that would have signaled its presence on the runway.
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Federal investigators say a critical runway warning system failed to alert air traffic control before a deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport.
An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck while landing late Sunday night, killing two pilots and injuring dozens of passengers. About 40 people were taken to the hospital.
The National Transportation Safety Board says the system did not activate because the fire truck did not have transponder equipment that would have signaled its presence on the runway.
Investigators say the truck was cleared to cross just seconds before the collision as the plane was already descending.
Officials are now working to determine what role air traffic control may have played and whether crews received last-second warnings before impact.
Investigators need to sift through a lot of debris, according to NTSB officials. Authorities recovered the plane’s cockpit and flight data recorders by cutting a hole in the aircraft’s roof.
“Air traffic controllers should know what’s before them, whether it’s on airport surface or in the airspace. They should have that information to ensure safety," said Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB.
There were 72 passengers and four crew members aboard the Jazz Aviation flight that originated in Montreal and was operating on behalf of Air Canada, according to the airline.
About 40 people, including the two from the fire truck, were taken to hospitals. Some suffered serious injuries, but by Monday morning, most had been released. Others walked away without needing treatment.
This was the first fatal crash LaGuardia has seen in 34 years, according to officials.
The pilot and copilot who died were both based out of Canada, said Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.
The AP contributed to this story.
