Investigators inspect the wreckage of a fire truck after it collided with an Air Canada Express jet that was landing at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, U.S. March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Adam Gray
(New York, New York) – The fire truck involved in the deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport was not equipped with a key transponder needed to activate runway warning systems, according to federal investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says the device is designed to alert air traffic controllers and pilots when a vehicle is on or near an active runway. Without it, the system may not detect the vehicle’s presence, potentially increasing the risk of a collision.
The crash, which occurred late Sunday night, killed both pilots and remains under active investigation.
Officials have not yet determined whether the missing transponder directly contributed to the incident, but the revelation adds to growing concerns about safety protocols and equipment at the airport.
Investigators are continuing to review air traffic control procedures, communication logs, and ground operations as they work to determine the cause of the crash.
