United Airlines flight was 19 feet above highway when it struck a pole as it was landing at Newark last month, NTSB says
NTSB Details United Airlines Aircraft Pole Collision Near Newark Runway
United Airlines flight was 19 feet – On May 3, a United Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft struck a pole while descending toward Newark Liberty International Airport, as revealed in a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report. The incident occurred just 19 feet above the New Jersey Turnpike, which lies 400 feet from the runway’s edge. This close proximity raised concerns about the safety of low-altitude landings in the area, where planes often pass over the highway during final approach.
United Airlines Flight’s 19-Foot Altitude Incident
The NTSB confirmed the plane’s landing gear and undercarriage collided with the pole, while initial reports from New Jersey State Police indicated the aircraft also struck a tractor-trailer. However, further investigation showed the truck’s damage stemmed from debris, not direct contact. The collision took place at an altitude of 19 feet, emphasizing the critical point of vulnerability during the landing phase.
Flight data revealed the Boeing 767 deviated from its usual glide path in the final stretch of the approach, complicating the landing. At over 160 miles per hour, the plane’s position was unusually low, leading to the pole strike. The pilot manually adjusted the descent after disengaging autopilot, stating he “got fast” to compensate for headwinds. These actions helped stabilize the aircraft but left it 19 feet above the highway at the moment of impact.
Passengers and crew on board the flight remained unscathed, with no injuries reported. Despite the collision, the plane landed safely, suggesting the pilot’s quick response mitigated potential dangers. The first officer had noted the aircraft’s position as “slow” and “a little low,” highlighting the crew’s awareness of the anomaly. The unusual sensations experienced during the landing—such as a “thump,” “mild jolt,” and “loud bang”—were attributed to the pole strike, though the plane’s occupants avoided harm.
Runway Proximity and Safety Implications
The NTSB highlighted that Newark’s Runway 29, used when wind conditions permit, is particularly close to the New Jersey Turnpike. This proximity increases the risk of low-altitude collisions, especially during approach. The incident has sparked discussions about the necessity of heightened vigilance when operating near such critical infrastructure. The plane’s 19-foot altitude at impact underscores the narrow margin between air and ground traffic in this area.
Following the collision, investigators identified three fuselage punctures on the lower left side, compromising the aircraft’s structure. One tire was also found slashed, demonstrating the severity of the impact. While the damage was substantial, the flight concluded without injury to passengers or crew. The NTSB continues to review the sequence of events, including wind gusts that may have contributed to the plane’s deviation from the glide path.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on understanding the factors that led to the 19-foot altitude collision. The NTSB’s preliminary findings suggest the pilot’s adjustments for wind played a role, but the exact cause is still under scrutiny. The agency is also examining environmental conditions, such as moderate turbulence, that could have influenced the landing. These details will be crucial in determining whether procedural or technical factors were at play.
“The pilot turned off the autopilot and auto-throttles, saying the headwind required manual adjustments,”
according to the NTSB report. This decision, combined with the plane’s low altitude, set the stage for the unexpected collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges pilots face during low-altitude approaches, where obstacles like poles can pose significant risks if not detected in time.
