Tragedy at LaGuardia
The second pilot who died in Sunday’s LaGuardia Airport crash has been named as Mackenzie Gunther. The Air Canada Express flight collided with a firetruck responding to another emergency while landing, killing both pilots on board.
Young Pilot’s Promising Career Cut Short
Gunther was a recent graduate of Seneca Polytechnic’s Aviation Technology program, class of 2023. According to the school, he joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation and began his professional career as a First Officer on the ill-fated flight from Montreal to New York.
“Seneca sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gunther’s family and friends, and to his former colleagues and professors,” the school said. “He will be deeply missed.”
Captain Antoine Forest Also Lost
The first pilot was identified on Monday as Antoine Forest. Despite his LinkedIn listing showing him as a first officer, sources revealed he was the captain on the flight. Jazz Aviation expressed heartbreak, stating they are supporting families and staff during this tough time.
How The Crash Unfolded
- The Air Canada flight carrying 72 passengers and four crew was landing on Sunday when it hit a firetruck crossing the runway.
- The firetruck was responding to a prior United Airlines alert about an odour in the cabin.
- Air traffic control initially cleared the firetruck to cross but then urgently ordered it to stop.
- The exact movements of the firetruck in the final moments remain unclear.
- More than 40 people were injured and taken to the hospital, including two firetruck occupants.
Miracle Survival and Ongoing Probe
Flight attendant Solange Tremblay was miraculously ejected from the plane but remained strapped to her seat after falling over 320 feet. With multiple fractures and a broken leg, she is undergoing surgery.
“It’s a complete miracle… She had a guardian angel watching over her. It could have been much worse,” said Tremblay’s daughter.
Investigators continue to probe the crash as the aviation world mourns two promising young pilots lost far too soon.
