One of the pilots killed in a deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport has been identified as Antoine Forest, a 30-year-old Quebec native who had pursued aviation from a young age, as reported by The New York Post.
Forest was among two pilots who died Sunday night when an Air Canada Express flight collided with a Port Authority fire truck in Queens.
The aircraft had been cleared to land at the same time emergency crews were authorized to cross the runway to assist another plane in distress. The second pilot killed in the crash has not yet been publicly identified.
#NEW: Air Canada pilot killed in crash identified as 30 year-old Antoine Forest pic.twitter.com/sbqRrt0MV5
— RTN (@RTNToronto) March 23, 2026
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Forest’s relative, Jeannette Gagnier, described his long-standing dedication to flying in remarks to the Toronto Star.
“He flew his first plane when he was 16 years old,” Gagnier said. “He was always taking courses and flying. He never stopped.”
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Gagnier also spoke about the personal impact of the loss. “It’s a very bad day for me,” she added.
According to information associated with Forest’s professional background, he had been working as a first officer for Jazz Aviation since December 2022.
The company was operating the flight under the Air Canada Express banner at the time of the crash.
Forest grew up in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, and spent time during his youth in Hawkesbury with family members, according to Gagnier.
During his high school years, he worked to improve his English skills in an effort to expand his opportunities in aviation.
The crash occurred as the aircraft attempted to land, striking a fire truck that had been dispatched to respond to another situation on the airfield.
Authorities indicated that both the aircraft and the emergency vehicle had been given clearance to proceed, resulting in the fatal collision.
Air Canada crash update:
Black boxes recovered.
ATC after clearing a fire truck onto runway: “I messed up.”
N
Plane braked hard + reverse thrust — possibly a last-second attempt to avoid impact.76 onboard. Pilots Antoine Forest and MacKenzie Gunther — both early in their… pic.twitter.com/IqHYPFq2jf
— Carolyn Barber, MD (@cbarbermd) March 24, 2026
Approximately 70 passengers and crew members were on board the aircraft. Around 40 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals following the incident.
Most were reported to have suffered minor injuries and had been released by Monday morning.
: New video shows the moment Air Canada flight crashes into rescue firetruck at New York airportpic.twitter.com/oPdJIiZp75
— Clash Observer (@clashobserver) March 23, 2026
Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford addressed the fatalities during a press conference, noting the early stage of the pilots’ careers.
“These were two young men at the start of their careers, so it’s an absolute tragedy that we’re sitting here with their loss,” Bedford said.
The Air Line Pilots Association also issued a statement following the crash, recognizing the loss of the crew members.
“The loss of our two fellow crewmembers onboard Flight 8646 is a profound tragedy,” union President Jason Ambrosi said.
Jazz Aviation President Doug Clarke released a statement expressing condolences and addressing the impact on the company.
“Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646,” Clarke said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured.”
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the runway collision are ongoing.
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