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Recently uncovered air traffic recordings have unveiled a tense exchange just moments before an Air Canada aircraft tragically collided with a firetruck at LaGuardia Airport on March 22nd, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
In the audio, an air traffic controller urgently shouts, “Stop, stop, stop!” as another voice warns of a vehicle dangerously close to the runway.
Following the devastating incident in New York, a controller admits, “I messed up,” according to reports from NBC News, which referenced LiveATC.net.
Flight 8646, arriving just before midnight, was carrying 72 passengers alongside four crew members.
An official statement from Air Canada confirmed that the aircraft was operated by Jazz Aviation LP, an Air Canada Express carrier, and had departed from Montréal.
During landing, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said, the aircraft collided with a rescue-and-firefighting truck that had been cleared to enter the runway in response to a separate incident involving an odor on a United flight.
“Initial numbers indicate that 41 passengers and crew were transported to the hospital,” said Garcia. “At this time, we understand that 32 have been released but there are also serious injuries. Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased.”
Garcia added that the two occupants of the truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Families were directed to the Air Canada ticket counter to meet those who were on board, said Garcia, which included one unaccompanied minor. At press time, LaGuardia Airport is temporarily closed amid an investigation that, according to Garcia, will also determine who was in the controller tower at the time of the crash.
Air Canada expressed condolences to those impacted by the tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two Jazz employees,” Air Canada said in a press release, “and our deepest condolences go out to the entire Jazz community and their families.”