Pilot raises alarm over runway decision before deadly LaGuardia collision
Pilot and flight instructor David Evans told The U.S. Sun about the critical decision involving an airport fire vehicle as a central factor in the deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport, arguing the situation highlights the need for immediate review of operating procedures.
The incident unfolded as a Port Authority fire truck responded to a separate emergency involving United Flight 2384, where a “weird odor” had been reported in the cabin. While attempting to reach the aircraft, the vehicle was cleared to cross the runway at the same time an Air Canada flight was landing.
The resulting collision killed two pilots and left dozens of passengers hospitalized, turning a routine emergency response into a catastrophic event.
Evans revealed that, from a safety perspective, such a crossing should not happen in that manner. He explained that he would prefer emergency vehicles to cross at the ends of runways, even if it means taking a longer route.
“I prefer, personally, as a pilot, if operating vehicles from the airport are going to cross the runway, they do so at the ends of the runway,” Evans said. He emphasized that while others may disagree, the priority should always be minimizing risk during active runway operations.
Questions over protocol and timing
Evans also suggested the incident raises broader questions about airport procedures during emergencies. He said investigators will likely examine what protocols were in place and whether they were appropriate for the situation.
“It’s a tragedy, and clearly, this type of thing can and should be avoided,” he stated.
According to early details, the Air Canada aircraft had already been cleared to land when the fire truck entered the same section of runway. A survivor told The U.S. Sun that passengers heard a loud “bang” upon landing, followed by the aircraft skidding as confusion spread throughout the cabin.
Despite the severity of the impact, Evans noted it was “miraculous” that most passengers survived, crediting the pilots’ training and actions in the final moments.
One of the pilots has been identified as Antoine Forest of Quebec, while the second pilot was named as Mackenzie Gunther.
Controller audio and investigation underway
Audio recordings from air traffic control captured the urgency of the situation as it unfolded. A controller can be heard repeatedly shouting for the vehicle to stop before later acknowledging, “I messed up,” in a separate exchange.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into why the runway crossing was authorized while the aircraft was landing. Officials are working to reconstruct the sequence of events, including the timing of clearances and communication between ground and air crews.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has also addressed the incident, rejecting claims that staffing levels in the control tower were a contributing factor.
