United Airlines Flight Clips Light Pole on Turnpike During Newark Landing

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on a United Airlines Boeing 767 that struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. The flight originated in Venice, Italy, and carried more than 200 people, all of whom were unharmed.

According to the NTSB report, the first officer told the captain the plane was “slow and a little low” during descent. The copilot later recalled realizing the aircraft remained low but believed touchdown was imminent and did not call for a go-around. Crew members reported hearing a loud “thump” and feeling a “mild jolt” moments before landing.

The runway assignment changed three times before landing. The chosen runway is the airport’s shortest and is typically used during strong winds. Winds were gusting up to 31 mph that afternoon. The pilot reported the aircraft became fast while turning into a headwind before reducing power.

Debris from the light pole struck a truck traveling on the turnpike, damaging its windshield and puncturing its trailer. The Boeing 767 sustained substantial fuselage damage and one landing tire showed slash marks.