# NTSB Preliminary Report: United Boeing 767 Struck Light Pole at Newark

_Jun 5 14:49_

Tags: United Airlines, New Jersey, Newark (EWR), airline, safety & operations, industry news

The NTSB released a preliminary report on a United Boeing 767-400ER that struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike during landing at Newark (EWR) on May 3, 2026. The report highlights pilot approach deviations and communication issues

## Summary

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the May 3, 2026, incident where a United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing on runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The flight originated from Venice (VCE). The aircraft came in lower than intended, striking a light pole which then hit a truck on the turnpike. The NTSB report notes that the captain, who was flying, had indicated an intention to fly a 'three reds, one white' PAPI light profile (slightly low) due to the short runway length. However, data showed the plane was flying 'four reds' (too low) from 4,500 feet. The first officer called out that the plane was 'slow' and 'a little low' at 500 feet. The captain claimed he saw they were low but did not have time to verbalize a go-around callout before touchdown. The captain had turned off autopilot at 900 feet and adjusted power for gusty winds. The report attributes the incident to pilots not following best practices and failing to execute a go-around when the approach was not stable

## Why it matters

Affects United Airlines loyalty members and route planners.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-co-pilot-warned-captain-low-approach-boeing-767-hit-pole) — United Co-Pilot Warned Captain Of Low Approach Before Boeing 767 Hit Pole

## Related signals

- [United takes first A321neo Coastliner for early 2027 transcon service](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-s-posh-new-coastliner-plane-is-here-set-for-early-2027-debut.md)
- [United will fly LAX and SFO to Traverse City from June 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-airlines-gives-traverse-city-michigan-its-first-ever-nonstops-to-californ.md)
- [United Starlink blanks seatback screens on some 737-900s](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/why-your-seatback-screen-may-be-dark-on-your-next-united-airlines-flight.md)
- [United will resume Houston to Chihuahua from March 28, 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-s-newest-international-destination-chihuahua-mexico.md)
- [Targeted: 20% United-to-Marriott transfer bonus through Nov 30](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/one-month-only-transfer-united-mileageplus-miles-to-marriott-bonvoy-points-with.md)

Older: [Colorado Gov. Jared Polis Vetoes Bill That Would Have Altered Credit Card Interchange Fees](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/colorado-gov-jared-polis-vetoes-bill-that-would-have-altered-credit-card-interch.md)
Newer: [GHA Discovery Extends Double D$ Promotion for Minor Hotels Through August 31, 2026](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/gha-discovery-extends-double-d-promotion-for-minor-hotels-through-august-31-2026.md)

Canonical URL: https://thetravelsignal.com/s/ntsb-preliminary-report-united-boeing-767-struck-light-pole-at-newark