F.A.A. Moves to Fire 2 Air Controllers at LaGuardia After Deadly Crash

Live updates

1. 18d ago

   FAA seeks to fire two LaGuardia controllers after deadly collision

   The Federal Aviation Administration is moving to terminate two air traffic controllers at LaGuardia Airport who left their posts early on the night of a fatal accident. An FAA investigation found the employees departed before the end of their shifts, coinciding with a collision between an Air Canada jet and a fire truck. The crash killed both pilots. A union is currently discussing allegations that the workers clocked out prematurely, while the FAA pursues disciplinary action following the discovery of the staffing gap.

   Why it matters

   The incident involved an Air Canada aircraft smashing into a fire truck that was crossing the runway. This event raised critical questions about tower staffing and safety protocols at one of New York's busiest airports. The timing of the controllers' departure is now a central focus of the investigation into the cause of the crash.

   What is confirmed

   • Two air traffic controllers left work early on the night an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.
   • The collision killed both pilots.
   • The FAA is moving to fire the two controllers involved.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The controllers left the tower approximately one hour early.
   • The collision occurred in March.

   What to watch next

   • Union response to the clock-out allegations
   • Final FAA disciplinary decisions regarding the two controllers
   • Official NTSB findings on whether staffing levels contributed to the crash
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. The New York Times — F.A.A. Moves to Fire 2 Controllers Who Left Early Before Deadly Crash
   2. CNN — 2 air traffic controllers left work early the night an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia, source says
   3. WSJ — Exclusive | FAA Found LaGuardia Air-Traffic Controllers Left Work Early Before Deadly Collision
   4. ABC7 Eyewitness News — 2 air traffic controllers left early on night plane collided with fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, FAA investigation finds
   5. People.com — 2 Air Traffic Controllers Left Early the Night of Deadly Plane Crash at LaGuardia Airport: Reports
   6. www.yahoo.com — FAA looking to fire air traffic controllers after deadly March collision: Sources
   7. apnews.com — 2 LaGuardia air traffic controllers left work an hour early before deadly crash, AP source says
   confidence 95%