A United Airlines Boeing 767 struck a light pole near Newark airport on May 3. The first officer told the captain the plane was "slow and a little low" before the collision. The NTSB is investigating.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report detailing an incident where a United Airlines Boeing 767 struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike near Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. According to the report, the first officer informed the captain that the aircraft was "slow and a little low" prior to the collision. The light pole, approximately 15 feet high, was struck by the aircraft, causing substantial damage to the Boeing 767, including three punctures on the left lower fuselage and slash marks on a landing gear tire. Debris from the pole also hit a tractor-trailer traveling on the turnpike, resulting in minor injuries to the driver. Fortunately, all 11 cabin and flight crew members and 220 passengers aboard the United flight deplaned safely at the gate without any injuries. United Airlines subsequently issued a safety bulletin to its pilots regarding approaches at Newark airport, specifically addressing techniques for short-runway landings and the potential risks associated with "ducking under" the glide path.
The incident highlights potential risks during aircraft approaches and underscores the importance of pilot communication and adherence to standard operating procedures, especially at challenging airports.