HereWeGo
June 5, 2026 • 3 min read
The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the United Airlines incident in Newark, revealing that the accident could have been entirely avoided had the pilots adhered to best practices.
Incident Summary
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently published a preliminary report concerning a notable incident that occurred about a month ago, when a United Airlines aircraft collided with a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike. This incident highlights that the accident was entirely avoidable. The Boeing 767-400ER from United landed at Newark Airport (EWR) on May 3, 2026, after a flight from Venice (VCE).
Details of the Collision
During the landing process, the aircraft approached too low and struck a light pole, which then hit a delivery truck. Initially, many believed the plane had collided directly with the truck, but the report confirms this was not the case. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members.
The collision occurred around 2 PM local time, and while there was damage to both the plane and the truck, the positive news is that no one was seriously injured. Had the aircraft been just a few feet lower, it could have resulted in a severe disaster.
Cause of the Incident
On that day, the weather featured strong winds, and runway 29 at Newark is relatively short, which may have led the pilots to decide to land as soon as possible to conserve energy. However, this does not justify the aircraft hitting a light pole on the highway. According to the report, the main issue seems to stem from the pilots not following best practices.
The captain, who has over 16,000 flight hours, decided to approach with a target of three red lights and one white light, indicating he intentionally aimed for a lower than optimal landing. However, data shows the aircraft was actually flying with four red lights from an altitude of 4,500 feet, suggesting his approach was inconsistent with the original plan.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Communication Issues
During the descent, the first officer (the flying supervisor) reminded the captain that the aircraft was flying too slowly and too low, yet no decision was made to execute a go-around. The captain stated he had disengaged autopilot at nearly 900 feet and felt the need to adjust speed, but in doing so, he allowed the aircraft to fly lower than safe.
It is clear that in this situation, there were psychological factors and a lack of confidence involved for the pilots. For instance, the risk of “get-there-itis” - the mentality of wanting to reach the destination despite existing dangers. Additionally, the first officer may have hesitated to speak up due to a lack of confidence compared to the captain.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
If you are planning to fly with United Airlines or other airlines to New Jersey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with landing procedures and in-flight safety factors. Be sure to check weather conditions and flight status before departure. Also, keep in mind that major airports like Newark can have high service and parking fees, which may reach about 500,000 VND for a day of airport parking.
Conclusion
The NTSB's preliminary report clearly shows that there is much to consider in improving flight safety. It is not just about flying techniques but also about how pilots communicate and make decisions in stressful situations. It is essential for everyone to be ready to make decisions to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.
Article referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time
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