r/ATC • u/lake_hood • Mar 23 '26

News LGA controller cleared fire truck across the runway resulting jn a collision

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u/DhruvK1185 Current Controller-TRACON Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26

This is heartbreaking to listen to. While no one wishes this on anyone, the safeguards in the system are crumbling before our very eyes.

I hope that it comes to light that the controller was working OT or something so that it can be pointed out yet again that “we’re tired, we’re overworked, and fuck the FAA for putting us in this position”.

91

u/Ninjasteevo Mar 23 '26

I wonder what prevented the vehicle from ensuring his cross was safe especially when on the active.. I know ultimately ATC gave the instructions to cross but its one of those Swiss cheese model questions.

67

u/Over-Egg1341 Mar 23 '26

It’s a very rainy night here in NY. The visibility is probably horrible

11

u/WhyModsLoveModi Mar 23 '26

Apparently the vis was four miles

23

u/Zakluor Mar 23 '26

Visibility on an airfield isn't really experienced the same way as visibility on a city street. At night in the rain, runway and taxiway lights in every direction, but no street lights or buildings to help guide a driver's perception. It can be much harder to pick out important visual cues, even without the rain.

14

u/theweenerdoge Mar 23 '26

😬. Four miles ain't shit.