Air Canada crash probe being conducted in ‘full co-operation’ with U.S.: Carney

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa is working in “full co-operation” with U.S. officials to probe the crash of an Air Canada jet at New York’s LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots Sunday night.

Speaking to reporters on his way into the Liberal caucus meeting Wednesday, Carney said the “first job” of the federal government is “working with our American colleagues to determine how this tragedy happened and to take all necessary steps to prevent any repetition in the future.”

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday a fire truck had been cleared to cross a runway to attend to a different aircraft at LaGuardia just 20 seconds before it collided with the Air Canada jet.

Jennifer Homendy, head of the U.S. safety board, said a runway warning system didn’t work as intended because the fire truck did not have a transponder.

The NTSB said in a media statement Wednesday that a preliminary report on the crash will be published within 30 days. A final report with more details on probable cause and contributing factors is expected 12 to 24 months from now.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is also taking part in the U.S.-led investigation.

Hugo Fontaine, spokesman for the Canadian safety board, said three investigators from the agency arrived in New York City on Tuesday.

“We have appointed an accredited representative and are supporting the investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board, including co-ordinating the exchange of technical and safety information related to the Canadian elements,” he said in an email.

Carney on Wednesday also offered his condolences to the families and friends of pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther and said their “actions saved lives.”

The airplane was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. Six people remained in hospital as of Tuesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2026.

— with files from Kelly Geraldine Malone in New York