Story perspectives

Two Pilots Killed in Air Canada Express Crash at LaGuardia

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Antoine Forest, 30, from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and Mackenzie Gunther, a 2023 Seneca Polytechnic graduate who joined Jazz Aviation, have been identified as the pilots killed in the Air Canada Express crash at LaGuardia Airport.
The crash occurred on landing when the plane struck a fire truck.
More than 40 people were injured, including two firefighters.
Investigators are examining air traffic control audio.
The National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation.

History

Historical Context

Air Canada Flight 621 crashed on July 5, 1970, during landing in Brampton, Ontario, killing all 109 aboard. The Transportation Safety Board attributed the disaster to pilot error, marking it as Canada's deadliest aviation accident at the time. This tragedy, alongside the 1983 Air Canada Express incident, underscores persistent concerns about air traffic control and pilot safety, prompting calls for improved safety protocols in aviation.

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Story summary

Antoine Forest, 30, from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and Mackenzie Gunther, a 2023 Seneca Polytechnic graduate who joined Jazz Aviation, have been identified as the pilots killed in the Air Canada Express crash at LaGuardia Airport.
The crash occurred on landing when the plane struck a fire truck.
More than 40 people were injured, including two firefighters.
Investigators are examining air traffic control audio.
The National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation.

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