Jazz Aviation CRJ900 Collision at LaGuardia Kills Two Pilots

Event summary

  • Flight AC8646 operated by Jazz Aviation's CRJ900 collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia on March 22, 2026, killing both pilots.
  • The aircraft was operating as Air Canada Express from Montréal to New York.
  • Chorus Aviation confirms full cooperation with investigating authorities while maintaining regular flight operations.
  • Chorus owns Jazz Aviation, the largest regional airline in Canada, among other aviation service subsidiaries.

The big picture

The accident underscores the operational risks inherent in regional airline services, particularly at high-traffic airports like LaGuardia. Chorus Aviation's ability to manage this crisis will be critical, given its role as a key provider of Air Canada Express services. The incident may also draw attention to runway safety protocols and emergency response coordination between airlines and airport authorities.

What we're watching

Safety Compliance
How the investigation's findings will impact Jazz Aviation's safety protocols and regulatory standing.
Operational Continuity
Whether Chorus can maintain flight schedules while supporting affected employees and families.
Regulatory Scrutiny
The pace at which authorities will conclude the investigation and impose any corrective measures.