The Federal Aviation Administration considers disciplinary action against two air traffic controllers for LaGuardia Airport crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration is considering disciplinary action against two air traffic controllers who left their posts early before an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. The crash, which occurred on March 22, resulted in the deaths of pilots Antoine Forest and MacKenzie Gunther. Investigation sources indicate the controllers allegedly clocked out roughly an hour before their shift ended, leaving their colleagues with less backup during a critical moment. Just before the impact, a controller instructed the fire truck to stop 12 times in 10 seconds without a response. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is currently discussing these allegations with FAA leadership to determine the appropriate accountability measures. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the administration is committed to holding employees accountable to prevent unlawful practices from disrupting the traveling public. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the crash, with a final report expected in approximately six months.

Sources

• AP News
  2 LaGuardia air traffic controllers left work an hour early before deadly crash, AP source says
• CNN
  2 air traffic controllers left work early the night an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia, source says
• WSJ
  Exclusive | FAA Found LaGuardia Air-Traffic Controllers Left Work Early Before Deadly Collision
• Global News
  Flight controllers allegedly punched out early before Air Canada plane crash
• The New York Times
  F.A.A. Moves to Fire 2 Air Controllers at LaGuardia After Deadly Crash