Deadly Crash at LaGuardia Airport Exposes Visibility Challenges for Firefighters

A Times analysis of the collision between a fire truck and an Air Canada jet reveals the limited sight lines that may have contributed to the tragedy.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a hazy, rain-soaked airport runway and the obscured form of a fire truck in the foreground, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the storm clouds and dramatic lighting above.The deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport exposed the visibility challenges faced by emergency responders operating in extreme weather conditions on complex airport infrastructure.NYC Today

A New York Times investigation has found that the firefighters in the lead vehicle of a convoy rushing to an emergency at New York's LaGuardia Airport likely had a very limited view of the oncoming Air Canada Express jet that they collided with, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The analysis used 3D modeling, flight data, and video footage to reconstruct the scene and understand the firefighters' perspective in the moments before the crash.

Why it matters

The deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport was the first at the airport in over three decades, raising serious questions about runway safety protocols and the visibility challenges faced by emergency responders. The findings highlight the need for airports to prioritize visibility and situational awareness for all vehicles operating on the airfield.

The details

The Times' analysis determined that the fire truck was traveling on a taxiway angled away from the oncoming plane, making it difficult for the firefighters to spot the jet. Additionally, the second firefighter in the vehicle likely obstructed the driver's view, and the truck turned slightly left as it entered the runway, angling the firefighters even further away from the plane. Factors like the rainy conditions, runway lighting, and the plane's approach trajectory also contributed to the limited visibility.

  • The air traffic control tower cleared the Air Canada jet to land on Runway 4 about two minutes before the truck was cleared to cross the same runway.
  • Eleven seconds after clearing the truck to cross, the tower issued an urgent warning to stop, but the truck kept moving.
  • The collision occurred just seconds after the truck entered the runway.

The players

Sgt. Michael Orsillo

One of the two firefighters in the lead vehicle, who was hospitalized along with about 40 others after the crash.

Officer Adrian Baez

The other firefighter in the lead vehicle, who was also hospitalized after the crash.

Captain Antoine Forest

The pilot of the Air Canada Express jet, who was killed in the collision.

First Officer Mackenzie Gunther

The co-pilot of the Air Canada Express jet, who was also killed in the collision.

Michael O'Donnell

A retired FAA official and former airport firefighter, who commented on airport safety protocols.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At night, it's basically like driving through a lit-up Christmas tree. You have so many lights and the crew has to know exactly what those lights mean.”

— Bobby Egbert, Spokesman for the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association

“What the firefighters could have seen or not seen 'with that equipment, at that time of night, with that illumination,' is one of the many components of the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation.”

— Peter Knudson, Spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release a preliminary report on the crash later this month, which will likely provide more details on the investigation's findings and any potential contributing factors.

The takeaway

This tragic crash at LaGuardia Airport highlights the critical need for airports to prioritize visibility and situational awareness for all vehicles operating on the airfield, especially emergency responders. The findings underscore the complex challenges faced by firefighters and pilots in low-visibility conditions, and the importance of robust safety protocols to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.