Air traffic controllers allegedly left post before fatal Air Canada plane crash

Allegations have surfaced that two U.S. air traffic controllers may have left their posts early before a fatal Air Canada Express plane crash at LaGuardia Airport in March. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has confirmed these claims, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Reports suggest the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering termination for the two controllers. They allegedly clocked out approximately one hour before their shift concluded, leaving colleagues at the LaGuardia tower without backup. NATCA stated it is "actively discussing these allegations with FAA leadership" and believes this is the appropriate venue for resolution.

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NATCA is actively discussing these allegations with FAA leadership. We believe those discussions are the appropriate forum for addressing the matter.

The FAA has not directly commented on the accusations but issued a statement affirming its commitment to "holding employees accountable" and ensuring the "safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System" is not compromised.

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We will not compromise the safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System.

The March 22 incident occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. when an air traffic controller cleared an Air Canada Express plane to land. Less than two minutes later, the same controller authorized a fire truck to cross the active runway. The resulting collision killed pilots Antoine Forest and MacKenzie Gunther, both flying for Air Canada Express carrier Jazz Aviation, and sent over 40 passengers to the hospital.

Footage of the accident shows the jet attempting to swerve as the truck crossed its path, but the impact was unavoidable. The plane skidded over 100 meters, its cockpit severely damaged. A preliminary report from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board in April identified system failures and communication issues as significant contributors to the crash. Experts have credited the pilots' quick braking for likely saving additional lives.

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