Copilot of United jet that struck a light pole realized flight was low
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- The copilot of a United Airlines Boeing 767 that struck a light pole during landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3 recognized the plane was coming in low but did not abort the landing in time, according to the NTSB's initial report.
- Crew members reported hearing a loud "thump" and feeling a mild jolt just before touchdown; the plane sustained substantial fuselage damage and one landing tire had slash marks, but no passengers were injured.
- The report clarified that debris from the light pole, not the plane itself, hit a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike, damaging its windshield and trailer but causing no serious harm to the driver.
- Experts noted the pilots appeared to take a shallow approach below the established flight path and may not have adequately prepared for the runway's unique conditions, which included strong gusty winds up to 31 mph.
- The NTSB's final report, expected next year, will investigate the incident further and provide recommendations to prevent similar occurrences; United Airlines has declined to comment.