Mackenzie Gunther was a recent graduate who began his professional flying career through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program. On March 22, 2026, Gunther was serving as the first officer on Air Canada Express Flight 8646, which was operating from Montreal to New York.
Tragically, the flight collided with a fire truck just after landing at LaGuardia Airport. Gunther died in the crash, along with another pilot, while 72 passengers and four crew members were onboard.
The incident resulted in injuries to more than 40 people, who were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported the chaos that ensued following the collision, with emergency services quickly responding to the scene.
Gunther had graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology (FPR) program at Seneca Polytechnic in 2023 and was employed by Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation. His school expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating, “Seneca sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gunther’s family and friends, and to his former colleagues and professors. He will be deeply missed.” Flags on Seneca’s campuses will be at half-mast on March 24 in his honor.
Passengers on the flight expressed their gratitude for the pilots’ efforts during the crash. One passenger, Rebecca Liquori, stated, “I’m just so appreciative that they were able to save us, but I’m just so sad that they weren’t able to make it home to their families.” Another passenger, Joseph, added, “They deserve all the credit for being heroes that day.”
Gunther’s family and friends are mourning the loss, with his brother Cedric Forest reflecting on the tragic event, saying, “Have a good flight, my brother! Oh yes, we’ve heard that phrase so many times, but this time, it’ll be the last.” The aviation community is also grieving the loss of a promising young pilot.
Officials have indicated that investigations into the crash are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety protocols at LaGuardia Airport.
As the community remembers Gunther, many are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure such tragedies do not occur in the future. The impact of this incident will likely resonate throughout the aviation industry and beyond.
