A United Airlines co-pilot reported seeing the plane flying low moments before landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. During the descent, crew members heard a loud noise and felt a mild impact but did not see the telephone pole in time to abort the landing. Initial reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) clarify that the plane did not collide with a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike; rather, it struck fragments of the utility pole, causing minor damage to the truck’s windshield and flat tire but no injuries.
Despite sustaining significant damage, the Boeing 767 safely landed with no injuries to the 200+ passengers on board. A video captured the moments leading up to the incident, showing the truck driver initially unaware of the approaching aircraft. Experts note that the approach was too shallow and that pilots might not have adequately prepared for the challenging landing conditions exacerbated by strong winds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) that day. The NTSB’s final report, which will include further recommendations, is expected next year. United Airlines has declined to comment on the incident.
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