A recent incident involving a United Airlines flight has raised concerns about aviation safety near Newark Liberty International Airport. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Flight 169, traveling from Venice, Italy, to New Jersey, was flying too low and too slow during its final approach, resulting in a collision with a light pole and a bakery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on May 3, around 2 p.m., as the Boeing 767-400 passenger jet was descending towards the airport. Dashcam footage captured the moment the aircraft struck a Schmidt Bakery truck, causing minor injuries to the truck driver. Fortunately, all 231 passengers and crew members aboard the flight were unharmed, and the plane landed safely shortly after the incident.
The NTSB’s 11-page report highlighted that the flight was proceeding normally until the descent phase. The crew experienced multiple runway changes before being assigned to runway 29. As the aircraft approached the runway, its airspeed began to decrease, prompting the first officer to alert the captain that the plane was “still slow and a little low.” The aircraft descended to just 18 to 19 feet above ground level as it crossed over the Turnpike, striking a 15-foot-tall light pole seconds before landing.
Aftermath and Safety Measures
Following the incident, the captain reported hearing a “thump,” while flight attendants in the rear of the plane heard a “loud bang” just before touchdown. An examination of the aircraft after it parked at the gate revealed three punctures to the lower left aft fuselage and slash marks on one tire.
In response to the incident, United Airlines issued a safety alert to its pilots, emphasizing the importance of using visual glideslope indicators. These lighting systems provide visual guidance during approach and landing, helping pilots maintain the correct descent path.
When asked about the NTSB report, a United spokesperson stated, “We don’t have anything to share.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating the incident, as it comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety following other recent near-misses at major airports.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
