FAA seeks to fire 2 controllers who left early before deadly LaGuardia crash: report

The FAA is reportedly seeking to fire two air traffic controllers who left their shifts early the night of a deadly LaGuardia crash involving an Air Canada Express jet and a Port Authority firetruck on a runway. The controllers were not identified, and The Wall Street Journal reported they left about an hour before their shifts ended on March 22, leaving two staff in the tower without backup during a high-workload period. Preliminary NTSB findings say Capt. Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther were killed, and 39 people were taken to hospitals. The NTSB also said one flight attendant was found on the runway still strapped into her jump seat after being ejected more than 320 feet. Investigators have not determined a final cause. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency will not tolerate workers who “take advantage” of taxpayers; the controllers’ union said it’s discussing the matter with FAA leadership.