The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary findings regarding a United Airlines plane incident. The aircraft hit a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike early in May, which then struck a passing tractor trailer. Initial thoughts suggested the plane’s landing gear might have contacted the truck. Nonetheless, the plane proceeded to land safely at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Incident Details
On May 3, United Airlines Flight 169, nearing its final approach to runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport, collided with a light pole at 1:50 p.m. The NTSB reported that debris from this collision struck a southbound tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike. Dashcam footage from the truck captured the impact moment. Notably, tire marks were absent on both the tractor and the truck’s cab.
Flight Approach and Concerns
During its approach, the runway changed thrice. The plane’s captain expressed no concerns about these changes. According to the NTSB report, the first officer warned of “airspeed slow” as they neared landing. Despite no windshear alerts, he believed the plane was positioned safely for landing.
At 500 feet of elevation, the first officer reiterated the aircraft was slow and slightly low. The captain admitted a feeling of being low but thought they were near touchdown. Just before landing, the captain noticed a “thump,” and the first officer felt a mild shock. Crew members at the plane’s rear reported a loud noise right before landing.
Plane Damage
Upon landing at the gate, the captain inspected the plane. Investigators noted significant damage, including three punctures to the lower left aft fuselage. One gash was nearly four feet long and four inches wide, with additional smaller punctures, dents, and creases. The NTSB categorized the damage as “substantial.”
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