Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Port Authority plans to expand transponder tech after deadly LaGuardia crash
By
Giulia Heyward
and
Phil Corso
Published Apr 28, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
and
Phil Corso
Published Apr 28, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says it plans to expand transponder technology on its rescue vehicles after one was missing from the fire truck involved in last month’s deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport.
Port Authority officials confirmed the update with Gothamist on Tuesday evening.
A Port Authority truck collided with an Air Canada plane at the Queens airport last month, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of others.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board found the vehicle did not have a transponder, a device that helps air traffic controllers more precisely track aircraft and ground vehicles. The report also described communication issues as multiple emergency vehicles responded on the runway.
The NTSB is expected to release a final report in the coming years, but the preliminary findings have already prompted changes.
The Port Authority has said the vehicle was in contact with air traffic control and received clearance to proceed, according to a statement.
James Allen, the agency’s chief communications officer, said the report “reflect[s] how multiple safety systems and procedures interact in real-world conditions, particularly during complex emergency responses involving multiple vehicles.”
“The Port Authority has made targeted investments in safety technology for its ARFF and other airfield vehicles, including systems designed to track vehicle movements and support operator awareness across the airfield,” Allen said in a statement. “We also recognize that transponder technology can provide an additional layer of visibility on top of existing surface-surveillance systems that already track ground movements.”
A spokesperson for the NTSB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
queens
transportation
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 2:01 p.m. ET
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
The company blamed ‘macro-economic headwinds.’ The co-founder is suing over compensation.
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
NYC tow companies busted for ripping off drivers must give $67K in refunds, city says
By
Liam Quigley
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .