United jet struck Turnpike light pole while landing at Newark Airport, NTSB says
According to the report, the first officer recalled saying, “hey you are slow,” and “you are still slow and a little low” shortly before landing.
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A United Airlines plane struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport last month, causing substantial damage to the aircraft and minor injuries to a tractor-trailer driver, according to a preliminary NTSB report.
The report says United Flight 169, a Boeing 767 arriving from Venice, Italy, hit the pole around 1:50 p.m. May 3 while on final approach to runway 29. Debris from the pole then struck a tractor-trailer traveling south on the Turnpike.
The plane landed and taxied to the gate without further incident. The three flight crew members, eight cabin crew and 220 passengers were not injured.
RELATED: Driver hit by landing United flight suffered trauma despite minor injuries, family says
Investigators found three punctures in the plane’s left lower aft fuselage, along with dents and creases. The tractor-trailer had damage to its windshield and trailer. The report said there was no evidence of tire marks on either the tractor cab or trailer.
RELATED: Dashcam video captures United jet striking pole and truck near Newark airport
According to the report, the flight crew had initially planned to land on runway 4R, then runway 22L, before being assigned runway 29. The captain told investigators the plane was stable at 500 feet. According to the report, the first officer recalled saying, “hey you are slow,” and “you are still slow and a little low” shortly before landing.
United later issued guidance to pilots about runway 29 arrivals and short-runway landing procedures, according to the report.
