Air Canada Crash: Flight Attendant Survives Being Thrown From Plane

A flight attendant was ejected from an Air Canada Jazz flight during a collision with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in an incident that killed both pilots. The flight attendant, identified as Solange Tremblay, survived the impact despite being thrown more than 100 metres from the aircraft while still secured in her seat, a remarkable outcome described as a “complete miracle” by her daughter.

A Rare Survival in a High-Impact Crash

The Air Canada Express flight, operated by Jazz Aviation, collided with a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey fire truck while landing at LaGuardia. The crash resulted in the deaths of both pilots, MacKenzie Gunther and an as-yet unnamed co-pilot, and sent nine people to hospitals with injuries. Tremblay’s survival stands out as particularly extraordinary, given the severity of the crash and the circumstances of her ejection. According to Sarah Lépine, Tremblay’s daughter, her mother sustained multiple bone fractures, including a broken leg requiring surgery, but is otherwise stable. The Guardian reports that Tremblay has been a flight attendant with Jazz Aviation for 26 years.

The Role of Specialized Crew Seating

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti, a former federal crash investigator, highlighted the role of the flight attendant’s seating in her survival. “It’s a particularly robust seat,” Guzzetti explained. “It’s designed to withstand probably more crash loads than passenger seats because you demand the flight attendant to help passengers get out of an airplane after a crash.” The seat, a “jump seat” bolted to the aircraft wall, provides a higher level of restraint than standard passenger seats. This design feature, intended to enable crew members to assist in evacuations after a crash, appears to have been critical in Tremblay’s case. The Daily Mail also reported on the crash, noting the horrific images of the aftermath shared by a survivor.

Previous Incidents Highlight Ejection Risks

While rare, ejections from aircraft during crashes have occurred before. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed into a seawall while landing at San Francisco International Airport, resulting in the injuries of at least two flight attendants who were thrown from the plane. Three teenage girls tragically died in that incident. The LaGuardia crash underscores the inherent risks associated with air travel and the importance of safety features designed to mitigate those risks. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the Air Canada Jazz collision, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the interaction between the aircraft and the fire truck.

Jazz Aviation and Air Canada Express: A Regional Partnership

Jazz Aviation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX:CHR), operates as an independent regional airline. It provides short-haul flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand. This operational model is common in the airline industry, allowing major carriers like Air Canada to extend their network reach without directly operating every route. Chorus Aviation’s financial performance is closely tied to its capacity purchase agreements with Air Canada, making the safety and operational reliability of Jazz Aviation crucial to both companies. The incident at LaGuardia could potentially lead to increased scrutiny of safety protocols and operational procedures within the Air Canada Express network.

Financial Implications and Potential Costs

The financial implications of the crash are still unfolding. Beyond the immediate costs associated with medical care and aircraft damage, Air Canada and Jazz Aviation face potential liabilities related to passenger compensation, legal claims, and reputational damage. The destruction of the aircraft, a CRJ-900 regional jet, represents a significant capital loss. The cost of a new CRJ-900 can range from $30 million to $40 million, depending on configuration and options. Yahoo News Canada reports that more than 40 people were injured in the crash. Insurance coverage will likely mitigate some of these costs, but the incident will undoubtedly impact both companies’ financial results in the short term. Any disruption to Air Canada Express service could lead to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction.

Regulatory Response and Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB will focus on determining the sequence of events leading to the collision, identifying any contributing factors, and issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The FAA will review air traffic control procedures and airport operations at LaGuardia to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The investigation is expected to take several months, potentially longer if complex technical issues are involved. Audio released from air traffic control reveals frantic attempts to divert incoming aircraft, highlighting the chaotic moments before the collision.

What’s Next: Investigation and Operational Review

The immediate priority is the ongoing investigation by the NTSB and FAA. Investigators will analyze flight data recorders, air traffic control communications, and witness statements to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. A preliminary report is expected within the next few weeks, followed by a more comprehensive final report detailing the cause of the accident and any safety recommendations. Air Canada and Jazz Aviation will likely conduct their own internal reviews of safety procedures and training programs. The incident will also prompt a broader discussion within the aviation industry about airport safety protocols and the potential for improved collision avoidance systems. The long-term impact on air travel remains to be seen, but the LaGuardia crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation and the critical importance of continuous safety improvements.