Summary of incident
United Airlines sent guidance to its flight crews on approaches into Newark Liberty International Airport after a Boeing 767 contacted a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike during its approach on May 3. Debris from the pole, which the report notes stood about 15 feet above the ground, subsequently struck a tractor-trailer traveling south on the turnpike; that impact was captured in video footage. The airplane carried 11 cabin and flight crew and 220 passengers, all of whom deplaned at the gate without injury. The tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries. The airplane itself sustained substantial damage.
Operational response from United
In the wake of the event, United advised its pilots that for landings on short runways the aim is for touchdown to occur 1,500 feet (457.2 m) from the runway threshold, but not before 1,000 feet from the threshold. United Flight Operations also issued an alert that applied specifically to arrivals at Newark on that runway.
Pilot technique identified as a factor
United said it identified the pilot technique known as "ducking under" as contributing to low approach altitudes during the visual segment into some airports and runways. The National Transportation Safety Board interviewed the flight crew about the approach.
The captain told investigators he "got fast" while turning the airplane into the headwind and reduced power by pulling the power levers back to compensate. During short final the captain heard the first officer call out "airspeed slow." The first officer recalled saying, "Hey, you are slow," followed moments later by, "You are still slow and a little low."
Both crew members reported sensations at touchdown: the captain stated he heard a "thump" just before touchdown and the first officer recalled feeling a mild jolt.
Damage assessment
The NTSB reported the airplane suffered three punctures on the left lower fuselage and that a tire on the left main landing gear displayed evidence of slash marks.
Context and limits
The airline issued internal guidance and an alert specific to the runway involved; the public record in the reporting reflects the crew statements, the NTSB damage assessment, and the injuries reported. Other investigatory details or causal determinations beyond those crew statements and the NTSB's described damage are not included in the material provided.