FAA Investigation: Two LaGuardia Controllers Left Shifts Hours Early on Night of Fatal Plane Crash
An FAA investigation revealed that two air traffic controllers at the New York TRACON facility left their shifts hours early on the night a small plane crashed near LaGuardia Airport. The unauthorized departures, one leaving 3.5 hours early and the other 4 hours early, forced a supervisor to manage the busy airspace alone. While the controllers were not handling the specific flight that crashed, their absence created a critical staffing shortage. As a result of the findings, the FAA has decertified both controllers, and they are now facing termination. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated it is also reviewing the serious allegations.
Official Source: https://abc7chicago.com/story/2-air-traffic-controllers-left-early-night-deadly-laguardia-canada-plane-crash-new-york-airport-faa-finds/19746397/
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