An Air Canada Express Embraer E175 regional jet, operating as Flight AC8617, collided with an airport fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) early Thursday morning. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft landed, while it was taxiing toward its designated gate. No significant injuries were reported among the 67 passengers and four crew members on board the plane, nor among the occupants of the airport vehicle.

The aircraft, operated by Jazz Aviation LP on behalf of Air Canada Express, had arrived from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in Canada. Preliminary reports indicate the collision took place on a taxiway near Terminal B around 1:20 AM ET. The left wingtip of the Embraer E175 made contact with the fire truck, which was reportedly positioned on or near the taxiway at the time. Both the aircraft and the fire truck sustained damage, although the extent of the damage is still being assessed by maintenance crews and investigators.

Following the collision, emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Passengers were safely deplaned from the aircraft onto the taxiway and subsequently transported by bus to the terminal. Airport operations experienced minor disruptions, with specific taxiways temporarily closed for investigation and debris removal. The quick response of airport personnel ensured minimal impact on overall flight schedules at one of New York's busiest airports.

Key details of the incident include:

  • Aircraft Involved: Embraer E175 regional jet, registration C-GJAZ.
  • Operator: Jazz Aviation LP (Air Canada Express).
  • Flight Number: AC8617, from Montreal (YUL) to New York-LaGuardia (LGA).
  • Date and Time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, approximately 1:20 AM ET.
  • Location: LaGuardia Airport taxiway, near Terminal B.
  • Occupants: 67 passengers, 4 crew members on the aircraft; unspecified number of personnel in the fire truck.
  • Injuries: None reported for passengers or crew; no serious injuries reported for fire truck occupants.
  • Damage: Left wingtip of the aircraft damaged; fire truck sustained damage to its superstructure.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Canadian authorities, including Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), may also be involved due to the aircraft's origin and operator. The investigations will aim to determine the precise sequence of events, contributing factors, and whether any procedural or communication lapses occurred. Air Canada stated its full cooperation with the investigating agencies. The damaged aircraft has been taken out of service for repairs and inspection, while the airport fire truck is also undergoing assessment. The findings of these investigations are crucial for enhancing aviation safety protocols and preventing similar incidents in the future.