Federal investigators have released their initial report on a United Airlines passenger jet that struck a light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport last month. The copilot told investigators he recognized the plane was coming in low but did not realize it in time to call for an aborted landing, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report released Thursday.
Details from the Cockpit
The pilot and crewmembers recalled hearing a loud “thump” and feeling a “mild jolt” just before touchdown, the NTSB stated in its preliminary report. The first officer said he recalled telling the captain, “you are still slow and a little low,” as the plane descended. He then looked back outside and thought the plane was low but about to touch down.
Debris Damage
Initially, law enforcement reported that the plane struck the top of a bakery truck, causing minor injuries to the driver. However, Thursday’s report clarifies that debris from the light pole—not the plane itself—hit the truck traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, damaging the windshield and puncturing its trailer.
The report provides the first description of events from the crew but does not specify why the plane came in so low or offer recommendations to prevent similar incidents. That is expected in the NTSB’s final report, likely sometime next year.
Incident Overview
The United Airlines Boeing 677 was landing on May 3 after a flight from Venice, Italy. It landed safely but sustained significant damage to its fuselage. None of the more than 200 people aboard were hurt.
Drivers on Interstate 95 near Newark are accustomed to seeing planes come in low as they cross the highway. Dashboard camera video from the bakery delivery truck captured the moment of impact: the driver is seen singing happily, then glancing out his window with concern as the jet’s engines grow louder. A moment later, part of the plane zooms into view out the driver’s side window.
Aviation Expert Analysis
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said Thursday’s report suggests the captain was challenged by strong winds and a short runway. The tarmac used is the airport’s shortest at 6,726 feet (2,050 meters), typically used only when winds are strong, as they were that afternoon. An air traffic controller reported winds gusting up to 31 mph (50 kph).
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Associated Press transportation reporter Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska contributed to this story.
