United Airlines Plane Strikes Light Pole on Approach to Newark but Lands Safely, NTSB Says

M. on May 3, 2026, while on final approach to runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report. Debris from the pole hit a southbound tractor-trailer on the turnpike.

The plane landed without further incident. The runway assignment changed three times during the approach. The captain told investigators he was not concerned about the changes and believed the aircraft remained in a safe position.

The first officer called out "airspeed slow" as the plane descended. " The captain said he looked around, thought the plane was low, but judged they were about to land. He reported hearing a thump just before touchdown.

The first officer felt a mild jolt. Another crew member heard a thump a second or two before landing, and flight attendants in the rear heard a loud bang. The captain went outside to inspect the aircraft after it reached the gate.

Investigators documented three punctures to the lower left aft fuselage, including one gash nearly four feet long and four inches wide, plus two smaller punctures, dents and creases. The NTSB classified the damage as substantial. No tire marks appeared on the truck or its cab.

Newark Liberty International Airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A Port Authority spokesperson said the FAA sets flight paths and requires indicator guidance devices for arriving aircraft, areas outside Port Authority jurisdiction.

The spokesperson added that the Port Authority is not named in the report, that safety remains its top priority, and that it will work with the FAA on any new requirements that result from the investigation.