Federal Aviation Officials Act to Fire Controllers Who Abandoned Posts Before Fatal Airport Crash
New York, Thursday, 27 August 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration is terminating air traffic controllers who left shifts early for timecard fraud, leaving LaGuardia Airport’s tower understaffed prior to a fatal March collision.
FAA Initiates Termination Proceedings Following LaGuardia Runway Collision
The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated termination proceedings against two air traffic controllers stationed at LaGuardia Airport who allegedly left their posts early on the night of a fatal runway collision [1][2]. The incident occurred on March 22, 2026, involving an Air Canada Express jet and an airport fire truck, resulting in two fatalities [1][3]. The agency’s disciplinary action is part of a broader inquiry into timecard fraud, with reports indicating up to a dozen controllers nationwide facing similar scrutiny over unrecorded early departures known as ‘shoves’ [1]. This administrative move underscores heightened regulatory scrutiny on air traffic safety management as investigations into the runway breach continue [1][2].
Incident Details and Operational Impact
On the night of March 22, 2026, Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a fire truck that was crossing the taxiway to respond to an incident elsewhere at the airport [2]. The collision killed both pilots of the flight, while dozens of the 72 passengers and four crew members on board were injured [2]. Sources familiar with the investigation indicate the two controllers left work early the night of the crash, and their departure was not by just a few minutes [2]. The FAA has stated that early exits left the LaGuardia tower understaffed, potentially compromising the safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System [4][2]. Both controllers are currently on leave and are not responsible for controlling air traffic [2].
Political Oversight and Ongoing Investigation
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized accountability, stating that the department will not tolerate fraud or unlawful practices that impact the airspace [2]. Secretary Duffy noted that while a majority of controllers accurately report hours, action is necessary when individuals take advantage of taxpayers and add work to fellow controllers [1][2]. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident, with a final report on probable cause and contributing factors not likely to be published for another six months [2][3]. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association declined to confirm disciplinary actions but confirmed active discussions with FAA leadership regarding the allegations [2][3].