The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report regarding an incident involving a United Airlines plane that impacted a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike in May. Debris from the pole struck a passing tractor-trailer, according to the report.
Incident Overview
United Airlines Flight 169 was on its final approach to runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport at 1:50 p.m. on May 3 when it collided with a light pole. The debris generated from this collision impacted a southbound tractor-trailer on the turnpike, as noted by the NTSB.
This moment was captured on dashcam video within the truck. The report states that there were no tire marks found on the tractor or the truck cab.
Flight Approach Details
As the plane approached the airport, the assigned runway changed three times. The captain did not express any worry concerning this change. However, the first officer alerted the captain about a slowing airspeed as they neared the runway. No windshear alerts were indicated, and the captain believed the aircraft was in a stable state for landing.
Upon descending to 500 feet, the first officer cautioned the captain again, noting that the plane seemed slow and low. The captain reviewed the situation, believing the plane was about to land safely.
Impact and Damage
Just before landing, the captain reported hearing a ‘thump,’ while the first officer experienced a mild jolt. A crew member and flight attendants heard a loud bang moments prior to touchdown.
Post-landing assessment revealed the plane had suffered significant damage. It included three punctures to the lower left aft fuselage, with one gash nearly four feet in length and four inches in width. Additional smaller punctures, dents, and creases were documented by investigators. The NTSB classified the damage as ‘substantial.’