“I messed up”: Early audio points to runway clearance error in deadly Air Canada crash at LaGuardia

This story was updated on Monday, March 23 at 12:25 p.m. EST 

New details have emerged regarding the Air Canada aircraft that struck a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday (March 22) – an accident that claimed the lives of two pilots.

According to reports, an air traffic controller could be heard over the radio, repeatedly ordering a fire truck to halt and stay off the runway, saying “stop” at least ten times.

Earlier, a United Airlines flight had reported an unusual smell on board, which led to the emergency response from the airport’s rescue and firefighting crews.

Reports say a fire truck had been given permission to cross Runway 4, the same runway where Air Canada Flight 8646 was preparing to land.

Amid blaring alarms, the controller kept working, though his distress was apparently evident.

He instructed an incoming Delta flight to “go around,” cancelling its cleared landing on the same runway. The plane reportedly acknowledged and ascended.

The controller then informed the Air Canada crew that assistance was on the way, but the aircraft’s nose has already been torn off. It’s unlikely the pilots heard the message, and they may have already lost their lives.

At one point, the controller was heard saying, “I messed up,” and another pilot attempted to reassure him.

Protocol would typically require that he be taken off duty immediately—the first step in what is expected to be a lengthy investigation.

Photos taken at New York’s LaGuardia Airport show the aftermath of the crash.

The aircraft, a CRJ-900, is pictured tilted sharply, with its tail nearly touching the ground while the nose is raised several metres into the air.

The cockpit appears almost completely destroyed, with damage reaching back to the first passenger window, and loose wires and debris dangling down toward the runway.

Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, told media that 41 people were taken to hospitals in Queens and that 32 were eventually released on Monday.

She said nine people remained in hospital and that some are in serious condition. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed when the plane crashed.

A statement from Jazz Aviation, a regional partner of Air Canada, said 72 passengers and four crew members were on board. 

LaGuardia is now closed and won't reopen until 2 p.m. today at the earliest.

Hundreds of flights cancelled

At least 295 flights departing from LaGuardia were cancelled as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Monday, while 15 were delayed, according to FlightAware.

The tracker also showed at least 288 flights headed to LaGuardia were cancelled as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Monday, and 19 were delayed, according to FlightAware.

Flight AC8646 originated in Montreal.

According to CBC, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is deploying investigators to assist the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation.

Air Canada and Jazz Aviation said they are cooperating with both the TSB and NTSB as the investigation continues.

The NTSB is leading the probe because the incident occurred in the United States. The FAA is also supporting the investigation.

Jazz Aviation president Doug Clarke said the company is mourning the loss of its two pilots.

“Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected,” Clarke said in a statement.

Air Canada has set up a phone line for friends and family of passengers on Air Canada Express flight AC8646 on March 22, 2026. They can call 1-800-961-7099 for assistance.

This is a developing story. 

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