NTSB Blames Low, Slow Approach In United 767 Newark Landing Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board says a United Airlines Boeing 767 was too low and too slow on approach when it struck a New Jersey Turnpike light pole while landing at Newark on May 3, 2026.[1]
The preliminary report, released June 4, found the jet's airspeed decayed and that the first officer twice warned the captain about being slow and low.[1] The plane crossed the Turnpike at about 19 feet above the ground, damaged a tractor-trailer and mildly injured its driver; all 231 people on board were unhurt.[1]
On May 3, the United flight from Venice to Newark struck the light pole while landing on runway 29.[1] Inspectors later found three punctures in the fuselage and slash marks on a landing-gear tire.[1]
United told Newark-area pilots after the accident to rely on visual glideslope indicators.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 3, 2026, a United Airlines Boeing 767 from Venice to Newark struck a New Jersey Turnpike light pole while landing on runway 29.
- A June 4, 2026 NTSB preliminary report found the aircraft’s airspeed decayed and it flew too low, with the first officer twice warning the captain about being slow and low.
- The jet crossed the turnpike at 19 feet above ground, damaging a tractor‑trailer and mildly injuring its driver, while all 231 people on the plane were unhurt.
- Inspectors later found three punctures in the fuselage and slash marks on a landing‑gear tire; United reminded Newark pilots to rely on visual glideslope indicators after the accident.
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