Flight controllers allegedly punched out early before Air Canada plane crash

According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, two American air traffic controllers allegedly left their posts early on the evening of March 22 before the tragic crash of an Air Canada regional jet at LaGuardia Airport. The union confirmed the allegations, stating they are discussing the matter with FAA leadership.

The Federal Aviation Administration has not directly addressed the accusations but emphasized their commitment to holding employees accountable and maintaining safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.

The crash occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m., when an air traffic controller cleared the Air Canada Express plane to land less than two minutes before granting permission for a fire truck to cross the active runway. Footage shows the jet speeding along the rain-streaked runway as the truck crosses its path, missing the collision by mere seconds. The plane's cockpit was obliterated in the impact, sending more than 40 people to the hospital.

A preliminary report from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board suggested that system failures and communication issues played a significant role in the accident. However, the pilots' quick braking actions are credited with saving lives.