LaGuardia pilots raised safety concerns to NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System months before Sunday's deadly runway collision that killed two pilots. Pilots reported air traffic controllers pushing limits at the busy New York airport, with one comparing conditions to those before a deadly Washington DC accident. The warnings highlighted close calls and inadequate guidance on runway safety.

The crash involved an Air Canada Express flight 646 from Montreal that collided with a fire truck after receiving clearance to cross. Air traffic controllers later admitted they "messed up" after trying to stop the fire truck. The runway lighting system had been turned off, contributing to the dangerous situation.

Investigators revealed staffing challenges at LaGuardia, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirming 33 certified controllers on duty despite rumors of understaffing. The Trump administration's personnel cuts have exacerbated air traffic controller shortages nationwide, while a partial government shutdown has caused security delays. The crash highlights systemic safety issues at US airports under stress from multiple operational challenges.