India, March 24 -- A deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots and injured over 40 people could have been prevented, according to an expert from the Department of Transportation.

The crash occurred late Sunday when an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 struck a fire truck while landing. The aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members. Both pilots died in the impact, while dozens were hospitalized.

Former US Department of Transportation inspector general Mary Schiavo said the incident was "entirely avoidable," pointing to a critical breakdown in coordination between ground control and the control tower.

Schiavo told the New York Post that the aircraft had the right of way once it was cleared to land.

"On...