United Airlines Jet Lands Dangerously Low at Newark, Strikes Light Pole
A United Airlines passenger plane, during its landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, flew just 19 feet above the New Jersey Turnpike, striking a light pole. The incident occurred on May 3, 2026, as the plane was arriving from Italy with 200 passengers on board. According to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft was below the safe landing path for approximately three-quarters of a mile before reaching the runway. The impact with the light pole resulted in debris hitting a tractor-trailer and a Jeep on the highway, injuring the truck driver. Despite the damage to the plane, which included punctures and tearing in a landing gear tire, no passengers were injured. The plane's captain had turned off autopilot due to wind conditions, which led to the aircraft coming in too low and slow. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.