FAA moves to fire two LaGuardia controllers after fatal runway collision
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The Federal Aviation Administration has begun the process of terminating two air traffic controllers at New York LaGuardia Airport after determining they left work about an hour early on the night of a fatal runway collision. The March 22 crash killed two pilots and injured dozens when an Air Canada Express jet struck a fire truck. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the government will not tolerate fraud.
Key Facts
- The FAA has begun the process of terminating the two controllers, according to Reuters, citing a source familiar with the matter.
- The controllers left about an hour before their shifts ended on March 22, 2026, leaving two other controllers in the tower without additional backup during unusually heavy traffic.
- The collision killed both pilots of Air Canada Express Flight AC8646, which was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, "We will not tolerate fraud," referring to the practice of leaving early while being paid for the full shift.
- The National Transportation Safety Board's final report, including probable cause and contributing factors, is not expected for at least another six months.
Controller Departures
Two air traffic controllers reportedly left their posts early on the night of the collision, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The controllers departed substantially before the end of their shifts, leaving two other controllers in the tower without additional backup as the airport dealt with unusually heavy traffic. The Wall Street Journal first reported the findings on August 27, and the FAA has begun the process of terminating the two controllers. Leaving before the scheduled end of a shift is known among controllers as an "early shove," and FAA officials consider the practice a form of timecard fraud when an employee is paid for time not worked.
Collision and Casualties
Air Canada Express Flight AC8646, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal, had just landed on March 22 when it struck an airport fire truck crossing the taxiway to respond to another incident. The collision killed both pilots and injured dozens of passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the collision, and its final report is not expected for at least another six months.
Official Response
The FAA said it was committed to holding employees accountable without compromising the safety or efficiency of the US airspace system. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it was discussing the allegations with FAA management but declined to confirm possible disciplinary measures. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the government would take action against employees who take advantage of taxpayers and increase the workload on their colleagues. Managers have historically allowed controllers to leave before their shifts ended in some circumstances, particularly when they otherwise would have spent the remaining time on a break, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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FAA moves to fire two LaGuardia controllers after fatal runway collision
