A recent incident involving a United Airlines flight has raised concerns about aircraft safety during landings near busy highways. On its approach to Newark Liberty International Airport, United Flight 169, arriving from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole while flying just 19 feet above the New Jersey Turnpike, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Incident Details
The flight data revealed that the Boeing 767 aircraft was below the normal glide path for the last three-quarters of a mile before reaching the runway. The aircraft was traveling at over 160 miles per hour when the collision occurred, damaging the plane’s landing gear and underside. The New Jersey State Police initially reported that the plane also hit a tractor-trailer, but the NTSB clarified that the damage to the truck was caused by debris from the pole.
Fortunately, none of the more than 200 passengers and 11 crew members on board were injured, and the plane landed safely. However, the incident did result in non-life-threatening injuries to the driver of the tractor-trailer and damage to a Jeep.
Pilot and Crew Reactions
As the plane was preparing to land, the captain reportedly turned off the autopilot and auto-throttles, attempting to adjust for headwind conditions. Despite efforts to stabilize the airspeed, the first officer warned that the aircraft was flying low. Crew members reported hearing or feeling unusual sounds and sensations during landing, with the pilot describing a “thump” and flight attendants noting a “loud bang.”
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected once all findings are analyzed. The incident highlights the challenges of landing on Newark’s Runway 29, which is located close to the New Jersey Turnpike and can be startling for drivers when planes pass at low altitudes.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community and local residents await further insights into how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
