Air Canada crash: Cockpit audio captures last seconds before fatal collision

Chilling audio recordings have revealed the final moments before an Air Canada Express aircraft crashed into a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing both the pilot and co-pilot.

The cockpit and air traffic control (ATC) audio captures repeated frantic warnings of “Stop, stop, stop,” as officials attempted to prevent the collision on the runway. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operating as Flight AC8646 from Montreal, struck the emergency vehicle while landing.

According to reports, the fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway while responding to a separate emergency. Moments later, controllers urgently tried to halt both the vehicle and nearby aircraft, but the collision could not be avoided.

The crash killed both pilots on board, while several passengers and emergency responders were injured. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft’s cockpit and triggered a major emergency response at the airport.

Following the incident, LaGuardia Airport was temporarily shut down, leading to widespread disruption in flight operations. Authorities issued a ground stop and diverted incoming flights as emergency teams responded to the crash site.

Investigators are now examining the sequence of events, including possible communication lapses and coordination failures between air traffic control and ground crews. Early audio evidence has already raised concerns about runway safety protocols and human error.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of aviation safety systems in the US, particularly around runway operations and the handling of simultaneous aircraft and ground vehicle movements. Investigations by aviation authorities are ongoing.