First officer told captain of United Airlines flight that hit light pole he was "slow and a little low," NTSB says
Summary
A United Airlines plane struck a light pole near the New Jersey Turnpike while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3, 2026. Debris from the light pole hit a truck on the highway, but the plane landed safely despite damage to its lower left side.Key Facts
- The incident happened during the plane’s final approach to runway 29 at Newark Airport at 1:50 p.m.
- The plane hit a light pole, and debris from the pole struck a southbound tractor trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike.
- The truck showed no tire marks indicating a collision with the plane’s landing gear.
- The runway assignment changed three times during the plane’s approach.
- The first officer warned the captain about the plane being slow and low on altitude near 500 feet.
- Crews on board heard a thump or loud bang just before landing.
- After landing, inspectors found three punctures in the plane’s lower left aft fuselage, including a large gash nearly four feet long.
- The National Transportation Safety Board described the damage to the plane as substantial.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.