LaGuardia plane crash: 2 pilots identified as investigators scrutinize Air Canada black box

The Air Canada pilot and co-pilot who were killed in the ground collision at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday have been identified as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.

The two pilots were flying an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation, Air Canada’s regional partner.

Jeannette Gagnier, the great aunt of Forest, told The Associated Press that he always wanted to be a pilot. The small city of Coteau-du-Lac in southwestern Quebec also identified Forest, saying in an online post that the pilot was originally from the community.

Gunther was identified as the first officer on the flight in an online obituary posted by Seneca Polytechnic, where the young pilot graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program in 2023.

Gunther joined Jazz Aviation following graduation and began his professional flying career, according to the obituary.

“Seneca sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gunther’s family and friends, and to his former colleagues and professors,” the obituary said. “He will be deeply missed.”

Some passengers aboard the flight have said that the pilots’ actions before the deadly impact likely saved the lives of those on board.

“Looking back on it, the pilot did the best thing he could,” passenger Jack Cabot said. “He hit the brakes as hard as he could, and he knew it was going to be at the cost of his own life.”

Passenger Clément Lelièvre told The Associated Press that the pilots braked extremely hard just as the plane touched down, crediting their “incredible reflexes” with saving lives.

Investigators have yet to publicly confirm their identities.

The union representing the pilots on Monday released a statement calling the loss of the two pilots a “profound tragedy.”

“These pilots dedicated their careers to the safe transport of passengers, and we are all thinking of their families, loved ones, and colleagues at Jazz Aviation during this devastating time,” Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), said.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau on Monday said he was “deeply saddened by the loss,” and cautioned that many details remain unclear as the investigation unfolds.