MONTREAL – The airport authority in Montreal has recently unveiled a memorial dedicated to two Air Canada pilots who tragically lost their lives in a runway collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York City last month. The pilots, Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, were honored for their commitment to their profession and their passion for aviation.
The memorial is located at the Jacques-de-Lesseps plane spotting park, a spot where aviation enthusiasts had gathered to pay their respects following the fatal incident. Both pilots died on March 22, when their Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck that was crossing the runway shortly after landing at LaGuardia Airport.
In the aftermath of the collision, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report that provides critical insights into the circumstances of the accident. Notably, the report indicated that the airport's surveillance system failed to alert air traffic controllers about the presence of ground vehicles because the fire truck involved did not have transponders installed. This lack of necessary equipment hindered communication and situational awareness on the runway.
Furthermore, the report detailed statements from the truck operator, who mentioned that they had heard the command “stop” over the radio. However, the operator did not know to whom the transmission was directed, which further contributed to the confusion during the critical moments leading to the collision.
In a statement, Aéroports de Montréal spokesperson Émilie Chevrette emphasized the importance of the memorial, stating, “ADM therefore decided to create this permanent memorial to honour these two young men who died while performing their duties and pursuing their passion.” The memorial aims to serve as a lasting tribute to Forest and Gunther, recognizing their dedication to aviation and commemorating their lives as well as their untimely deaths.
The tragic event not only affected the families and friends of the pilots but also raised awareness regarding safety protocols at airports, particularly with respect to communication and the operation of ground vehicles in proximity to active runways. The loyalty and passion exhibited by both Antoine Forest, 30, and Mackenzie Gunther, 24, will be remembered by their peers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Their legacy will live on through this memorial, which stands as a symbol of dedication and service in the aviation community.
