The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released drone footage on March 26, 2026, capturing the extensive wreckage from the March 22 collision between Jazz Aviation Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ900, and a firefighting vehicle on Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
The video, filmed from above the site, reveals debris scattered across the runway and taxiway, as well as severe damage to both the aircraft and fire truck. NTSB investigators are shown collecting evidence amid the wreckage. During her March 23 briefing, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described a “tremendous amount of debris” at the scene.
The CRJ900 had arrived from Nashville International Airport (BNA). The two pilots died in the impact. Runway 4 reopened on March 26 after removal of the aircraft and vehicle. The investigation now shifts to NTSB headquarters in Washington, DC.
Recent NTSB updates highlight Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X), which issued no alert prior to the collision, though Homendy did not cite a system failure. She noted accidents typically involve multiple factors. A preliminary timeline from cockpit voice recorder data shows the tower cleared the fire truck to cross 26 seconds before impact, with a stop order issued 9 seconds prior; the aircraft touched down 1 second later.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau expressed condolences and apologized for his initial English-only statement amid criticism over Canada’s bilingual policy, stating, “I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families.”
NTSB also shared a photo of investigators examining the jet’s elevator and rudder power control unit.