A United Airlines jet came dangerously close to disaster Sunday when it struck a semitrailer truck and light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Narrow Escape from Catastrophe
Safety expert Steve Arroyo, a former United pilot with experience landing on the same short runway, stated that a major catastrophe was avoided by mere feet. He noted that if the plane had been just five to ten feet lower, it would have crashed onto the turnpike.
The driver of the bakery delivery truck was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. The Boeing 767, arriving from Venice, Italy, with 231 people aboard, landed safely with no injuries to passengers or crew. Air traffic control audio suggested a hole may have been created in the plane's side, though this has not been confirmed by the airline or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Incident Reclassified as Accident
On Monday, the NTSB reclassified the incident as an accident due to the extent of the damage to the aircraft. Dash camera video from the truck captured the moment of impact, showing the truck toppling onto its side. Semitrucks typically stand 13.5 feet tall, indicating the plane was flying exceptionally low.
Chuck Paterakis, vice president of H&S Family of Bakeries, expressed relief that everyone is safe and confirmed the company is cooperating with investigators.
Investigation Underway
The pilots' damage report was not recorded because the crew contacted the tower by phone after landing. However, air traffic control audio revealed a controller mentioning a hole in the airplane's side. NTSB investigators arrived on Monday to interview the flight crew and determine the cause. A preliminary report is expected in about a month, with no news conferences planned.
Runway 29, where the plane landed, is the shortest at the airport at 6,726 feet, used primarily during strong winds like those on Sunday, gusting up to 31 mph. Arroyo emphasized that investigators will examine the crew's planning for landing on Runway 29 and the data entered into the flight control system.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA crash investigator, noted that this incident is unprecedented for an airliner striking a vehicle. He added that fatigue from the long flight from Italy may be a factor. The NTSB has directed United to preserve cockpit voice and flight data recorders, and the pilots have been placed on leave pending the investigation.
