United Boeing 767 was ‘still slow and a little low’ before hitting Newark light pole
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report into the United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER that struck a light pole during final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport in May, causing debris to hit a truck travelling on the New Jersey Turnpike.
The incident occurred on May 3, as United Flight 169 from Venice was on approach to land in Newark. The aircraft, registered N77066, was carrying 220 passengers and 11 crew members.
Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely on Runway 29 and no one on board was injured. The NTSB classified the event as an accident due to the substantial damage to the aircraft.
Multiple runway changes before landing
According to the preliminary report, the flight crew was assigned three different runways on arrival at Newark before ultimately being cleared to land on Runway 29, the airport’s shortest runway at 6,726 feet (2,050 metres). Strong winds and gusts of up to 31 mph (50 km/h) made for a challenging approach.
The captain told investigators that while turning into a headwind on final approach, the aircraft became faster than desired. To compensate, he reduced engine power. As the aircraft continued descending, the first officer issued a series of warnings.
The first officer called out “airspeed slow” and later warned the captain that the aircraft was “still slow and a little low.”
The captain reported hearing a “thump” just before touchdown, as the aircraft struck the pole, and the first officer reported feeling a mild jolt.
Light pole debris hit the truck
One key clarification in the NTSB report concerns what struck the truck travelling on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Initial reports suggested the aircraft itself hit the vehicle. However, investigators now say it was debris from the light pole that the aircraft struck that damaged the truck. The report notes that there was no evidence of tyre marks on the truck, supporting the conclusion that debris, rather than the aircraft, made contact.
The truck driver sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and was treated and released from the hospital. The falling light pole also struck a nearby Jeep.
United Boeing 767 sustained substantial damage
Investigators found three punctures in the aircraft’s left lower fuselage. One tyre on the left main landing gear also showed evidence of slash marks consistent with contact during the incident.
Despite the damage, the Boeing 767 completed the landing safely and taxied to the gate without further incident. All passengers and crew deplaned normally.
United issues pilot guidance
Following the incident, the NTSB reports that United Airlines issued a safety bulletin to pilots operating into Newark. The carrier instructed crew conducting short-runway landings to target touchdown between 1,000 and 1,500 feet beyond the runway threshold. The airline cautioned pilots of the risks of a technique known as “ducking under” — or “shifting the aimpoint of electronic or visual glide path indications”—which can lead to excessively low approach paths.
The airline also distributed runway-specific guidance for arrivals to Newark’s Runway 29.
NTSB investigation continues
In a preliminary report, the NTSB’s findings establish the known facts of an event but do not identify a probable cause or issue safety recommendations. Investigators will continue to review flight data recorder information, cockpit voice recordings, crew actions, weather conditions and operational factors surrounding the United Airlines accident.
A final repor that will include the NTSB’s determination of probable cause and any safety recommendations resulting from the incident, is expected next year.
Featured Image: Dave Toussaint on X
