Transponders that could have helped track the location of a fire truck involved in a collision with a landing Air Canada jet in New York will soon be installed on ground vehicles at the region's three major airports. The devices will be fitted on fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Tuesday. These transponders continuously send signals to the control tower, providing air traffic controllers with more precise data on vehicle positions.
Background of the Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) highlighted the absence of transponders in its preliminary report on the March 22 incident at LaGuardia Airport. An Air Canada jet struck a fire truck on the runway, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and injuries to several others. An air traffic controller had authorized the vehicle to cross the runway, but the truck reportedly passed red warning lights amid heavy air traffic and an ongoing emergency involving another aircraft.
Current Surveillance Systems
LaGuardia is one of 35 airports equipped with Airport Surface Detection Systems (ASDE-X). This system combines radar data with transponder signals from aircraft and ground vehicles, along with other information, to generate a tower display showing the locations of all planes and vehicles. It also triggers an alarm when a potential collision is anticipated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended that major airports nationwide install transponders and has offered financial support, a recommendation many airports have already followed.
Port Authority's Response
James Allen, the Port Authority's chief communications officer, stated that the agency has made "targeted investments in safety technology" for its airfield vehicles, including systems to track movements and enhance operator awareness. In addition to LaGuardia, the authority operates Kennedy Airport in New York and Newark Liberty Airport in New Jersey. "We recognize that transponder technology can provide an additional layer of visibility on top of existing surface-surveillance systems that already track ground movements," Allen said. "We will continue to work closely with the NTSB as its investigation proceeds and remain focused on working with the FAA to strengthen safety across our airfield operations."
