2 LaGuardia air traffic controllers left work an hour early before deadly crash, AP source says
Summary
Two air traffic controllers at LaGuardia Airport left work about an hour early on the night of a deadly crash involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering firing them because their early departure left fewer controllers available during a busy and emergency-filled time.Key Facts
- The crash happened on March 22, 2026, when an Air Canada jet hit a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport.
- Both pilots of the Air Canada jet died in the crash.
- Two controllers who were scheduled to work late left about an hour early before the accident.
- Their early departure meant fewer controllers were in the tower during a busy period with many flights and an emergency on the ground.
- The FAA is pursuing disciplinary actions against the two controllers, possibly leading to firing.
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is discussing the case with FAA officials.
- Leaving work early despite being scheduled is called an “early shove” and happens in other places, but is being criticized here.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the early departures timecard fraud and said it will not be tolerated.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
