All,
Some interesting statements came out of this afternoon’s update from NTSB. Their preliminary investigation into the fatal runway collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York late Sunday night suggests it was caused by an overlapping series of failures that stemmed from seemingly predictable problems with staffing and technology.
(Google: Swiss Cheese Model)
While radio transmissions made it clear the fire truck and several other emergency vehicles were approaching the runway and were cleared by ATC, “transponders on all equipment would have allowed controllers in the tower to also see them on their instruments,” NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy stated.
LaGuardia has a runway safety system allowing air traffic controllers to track surface movement of planes and vehicles, but that system “did not alert.” Apparently, none of the emergency vehicles on the tarmac had tracking systems installed, including that Port Authority fire truck that was struck.
The NTSB analysis found that the system did not generate an alert due to the proximity of vehicles merging and unmerging near the runway, resulting in the inability to create a track of high confidence.
“The controllers should have all the tools they need to do their job,” she said at a press briefing at LaGuardia Airport this afternoon. “Whether it’s aircraft or vehicles moving in the taxiways, they should have it all.”
NTSB investigators have yet to interview the Port Authority Police Sergeant and Officer who were in the fire truck involved in the crash. The Sergeant was expected to be released from the hospital today, and the officer was released yesterday.
RELATED VIDEO & AUDIO FROM THE LAGUARDIA INCIDENT:
RADIO w/TOWER & FIRE APPARATUS:
TODAY’S NTSB BRIEFING:
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The Secret List 3/24/2026-1558 Hours