An aviation expert has said that a “clear error” appears to have played a major role in the deadly Air Canada crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The crash happened when a passenger plane collided with a fire truck on the runway during landing.
The Air Canada Express flight had just landed from Montreal when it struck the emergency vehicle that was crossing the runway to respond to another incident. Both pilots were killed and dozens of passengers and crew were injured in the crash.
According to aviation experts, the crash appears to be related to a runway communication problem. Reports suggest the fire truck was cleared to cross the runway but was then told to stop when air traffic control realized a plane was landing.
Experts say situations like this are extremely rare and usually only happen when several mistakes or communication failures happen at the same time. Investigators are now looking into air traffic control procedures, visibility conditions, and timing of the runway crossing.
Another aviation safety expert said the crash could have been far worse. The plane reportedly hit the middle of the truck instead of the wings or fuel tanks, which likely prevented a large explosion or fire.
Audio recordings from air traffic control reportedly captured a controller urgently telling the truck to stop moments before the crash. Investigators are now reviewing those recordings to understand exactly what went wrong.
Authorities including the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are continuing the investigation, and officials say it may take months before the full cause of the crash is confirmed.
For now, experts believe the tragedy was likely caused by a runway incursion, which happens when a vehicle, plane, or person is on a runway when it should not be.
