Air Canada LaGuardia crash: Who were pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther killed in fatal collision

The fatal collision involving an Air Canada Express jet at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026, where flight 8646, operated by Jazz Aviation, was arriving from Montreal and collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway during landing. The impact destroyed the cockpit area, killing both pilots. At least 41 people were injured, though most sustained minor injuries and were later discharged.

Air traffic control audio reportedly captured last-minute warnings to the fire truck to stop, indicating a breakdown in coordination during a separate emergency response.

Captain Antoine Forest

Antoine Forest, aged 30, was identified as one of the pilots who died in the crash. A native of Quebec, Canada, Forest had demonstrated a passion for aviation from a young age, reportedly taking his first flight lessons as a teenager.

Colleagues and family described him as dedicated, hardworking, and deeply committed to flying.

Though relatively early in his professional journey, Forest was already serving in a highly responsible role, reflecting strong training and competence.

First Officer Mackenzie Gunther

Mackenzie Gunther, the co-pilot (first officer), was also killed in the crash. While fewer personal details have been publicly disclosed, Gunther was a trained commercial pilot working alongside Forest on the ill-fated flight.

Reports indicate that Gunther, like Forest, was in the earlier stages of a professional aviation career, underscoring the tragic loss of emerging talent in the industry.

Passengers and crew have described the pilots as “heroes,” crediting their actions, particularly rapid braking during landing, with preventing a possibly far worse disaster.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the pilots reacted quickly upon touchdown, attempting to stop the aircraft before impact. Some passengers believe these actions reduced the severity of the crash and saved lives.

Despite the catastrophic cockpit damage, the majority of passengers survived, a fact many attribute to the crew’s professionalism under extreme pressure.

Air traffic control audio suggests confusion and possible human error, with one controller reportedly acknowledging a mistake moments before the crash.