Survivors of the New York Runway Accident Share Their Stories of Survival and Bravery

On March 22, 2026, an arriving Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire-and-rescue vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia airport. Sadly, the pilot and co-pilot were killed, and over 40 people were hospitalized after this New York airport emergency. Two Air Canada passengers who survived the plane crash, Rebecca Liquori and Rachel Mariotti, went on CBS Mornings to share their story of survival and bravery.

The two women were seated next to one another in the emergency exit row. Rebecca became scared when the plane experienced turbulence during descent. “I grabbed her arm, and we were strangers," she says about Rachel, who was sitting right next to her. "I just turned to her, and I said, 'I'm sorry, I'm just really scared.'

The Two Women Comforted Each Other

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The two strangers ended up comforting each other, supporting each other. "We were holding on to each other. I was looking out the window … flying forward, looking out the window, are we going to spin out of control? It was scary,” Rachel shares.

Since the two women were sitting in the emergency exit row, Rebecca had to pull the door open, and they helped other passengers get off the plane.

"I pulled the door out," Rebecca said. "It was very heavy – so protocol is for you to throw it out the window. I was so panicked. I didn't remember that part, but I did open the door and Rachel helped me move it out of the way so that all of the passengers on our side could get out."

Both of the Women Were Mothers

After they got off the plane and spotted the wreckage, they realized how bad it really was. “I’m a walking miracle, and God gave me a second chance at life,” Rebecca says.

Both women are mothers; Rebecca has two boys, ages 4 and 2, and Rachel has a 3-year-old daughter. "I could have almost not made it home to my boys and my family," Rebecca shares. "I was just was happy to go home and I have been smothering them."

As Rebecca and Rachel reflect on the crash, they can’t help but think of the pilots who lost their lives that day, Captain Antonie Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther.

“These pilots and their faces pop into my head a lot,” Rachel shares. 

They Want to Live Their Lives in a Way to Honor the Pilots

Rebecca adds that she wants to live her life in a way that honors them. “If it wasn’t for their quick actions and thinking we wouldn’t be able to sit next to you and have this conversation,” She says.

Rachel shares how important it is to choose the emergency exit row. "I've heard those exit instructions and I passively pay attention. I'm going to pay attention next time. I remember looking at the stickers on the door … but I wasn't registering, 'OK, that's what I have to do' and she did it. She did it quickly," Rachel says of Rebecca.

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While no one wants to be in a situation like the two women were, together they were able to help each other and the other passengers out of the plane.

The two strangers will be forever bonded together after their experiences.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

WATCH: Two Women on the Air Canada Flight Share about the New York Airport Emergency

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h/t: CBS News

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Mornings

Julie Provost is a GodUpdates staff writer and editor. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, three boys, and little dog Max. She loves to read, go to the movies, and enjoy time with family and friends.