United Airlines Jet Strikes Light Pole During Landing at Newark Airport

A United Airlines passenger jet that struck a light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport has been described in a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). On May 3, the flight arriving from Venice, Italy, experienced a low approach, with the copilot noting the plane was descending slowly just before touchdown. However, he did not realize the situation adequately to call for an aborted landing.

The report clarifies that it was debris from the light pole that impacted a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike, rather than the jet itself. Initial reports had suggested the plane hit a bakery truck. Fortunately, there were no injuries on board the aircraft, which sustained substantial damage, particularly to the fuselage and one of its tires, which showed slash marks.

Drivers in the area are familiar with low-flying aircraft as they approach the runway, but dashboard camera footage from the truck captured the moment of impact, showing its driver experiencing a startled reaction as the jet approached. D. Blake Stringer of The Ohio State University suggested the pilot likely took an unintentional shallow approach, which is contrary to general recommendations for safety. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo indicated that the crew appeared to have failed to adequately prepare for the landing requirements associated with the runway, exacerbated by changing assignments and challenging wind conditions of up to 31 mph. The NTSB's final report is expected in the coming year.