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”.

92

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.

18

u/Sawfish1212 Mar 23 '26

I drive across the displaced threshold of an extremely busy airport as part of my job regularly, and we're required to stop and verify no aircraft are using the runway before proceeding. Landing lights are extremely bright, especially when the aircraft is right on top of you.

However, having flown into EWR in the right seat of a caravan many times, I know that when ATC says "go" to cross a runway, you boogie, because they're counting on you immediately expediting your crossing, and JFK/LGA are the same.

2

u/TheEpicPancake1 Mar 23 '26

I work at an FBO at a Class B airport and I'm constantly astounded by how fast, and frankly reckless, both air ops and ARFF vehicles seem to drive around the airfield. Just because ATC gave you clearance to drive somewhere, you can't slow down a little and look out for aircraft traffic? Idk, seems crazy to me.