A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals that a United Airlines flight from Venice, Italy, to Newark Liberty International Airport narrowly avoided a more serious incident when it struck a light pole during its landing approach. The aircraft was just 19 feet above the New Jersey Turnpike at the time of the collision.

Incident Details

The flight, United Flight 169, was on its final approach to Newark when it veered below the normal glide path for the last three-quarters of a mile before the runway. The aircraft was traveling at over 160 miles per hour when a tire from its landing gear and the underside of the plane hit a pole. The New Jersey State Police initially reported that the plane also struck a tractor-trailer, but the NTSB clarified that the truck was damaged by debris from the pole, not direct contact with the aircraft.

The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and a Jeep was also struck by debris. Fortunately, none of the more than 200 passengers and 11 crew members on board the Boeing 767 were injured, and the plane landed safely.

Pilot and Crew Actions

According to the NTSB report, the captain of the flight had turned off the autopilot and auto-throttles as the plane approached the runway, noting that he ‘got fast’ while adjusting the aircraft for headwind. He then reduced power to stabilize the airspeed amid moderate turbulence. The first officer warned the captain that the plane was ‘slow’ and ‘a little low’ during the approach.

Crew members reported hearing or feeling unusual sensations as the plane landed. The pilot described hearing a ‘thump,’ while the first officer felt a ‘mild jolt,’ and flight attendants at the rear of the plane heard a ‘loud bang.’

Investigation and Findings

The NTSB’s on-site investigation found three punctures on the lower left side of the plane’s fuselage, indicating substantial damage. The plane’s tire was also slashed. Despite these damages, the pilots and air traffic control were unaware of the collision with the pole until after landing.

Newark’s Runway 29, where the incident occurred, is situated less than 400 feet from the edge of the New Jersey Turnpike. This runway is not always in use, but when wind conditions necessitate its use, aircraft landings can be startling for drivers on the highway below.

The NTSB continues to investigate the incident, with a final report to be released upon conclusion of the investigation.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.