The Current What may have caused the Air Canada crash at La Guardia
Mar 24, 2026
Michael McCormick, a former New York air traffic controller who now teaches aviation safety, breaks down a runway collision. He walks through the sequence of events, tower communication and alarm systems. He flags staffing and radio-configuration questions and considers whether pilots or crews could have seen or heard warnings. The conversation stays focused on what investigators will examine.
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Sequence That Led To The Runway Collision
- Michael McCormick recounts the sequence: United 2384 returned with an onboard odor, fire crews were dispatched, and then Air Canada 8646 was cleared to land on runway 4.
- The controller cleared Crash Fire Rescue to cross Taxiway Delta, then recognized the error, issued a stop, but the truck and Air Canada collided despite alerts.
Safety Alerts Alone May Not Prevent Collisions
- McCormick highlights that the airport surface detection alarm sounded but neither the stop clearance nor the alert prevented the collision.
- He notes the beeping likely came from surface detection equipment that flagged the simultaneous runway crossing and landing.
One Controller Handling Ground And Tower Is Risky
- McCormick observes the same controller was handling both ground and tower duties, which is unusual and increases risk.
- He would first ask who was assigned in the tower and where they were during the event.