United Airlines plane hit light pole during Newark landing, NTSB finds

A United Airlines flight that struck a light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport last month was flying just 19 feet above the New Jersey Turnpike moments before touchdown, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The incident involved United Flight 169, which arrived from Venice, Italy, in May.

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The Boeing 767 crossed above the motorway at more than 160 miles per hour before part of its landing gear and the underside of the aircraft hit a pole during its final approach.

The NTSB said flight data showed the aircraft remained below the normal glide path for roughly the final three-quarters of a mile before landing.

Investigators reported that the captain had turned off the autopilot and later admitted he “got fast” while manoeuvring into a headwind.

According to the report, the first officer warned the captain the aircraft was “slow” and “a little low” during the approach.

Crew members later described hearing unusual sounds during landing. The captain said he “heard a thump,” while the first officer reported feeling a “mild jolt.”

More than 200 passengers and 11 crew members were onboard the aircraft. No injuries were reported and the plane landed safely.

The NTSB found substantial damage to the aircraft, including punctures to the fuselage and slashes to one of the tyres. Investigators said debris from the struck pole also damaged vehicles on the ground.