Source: Fortune.com
Summary
A United Airlines Boeing 767 carrying 231 people hit a semitrailer truck and light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The driver of the truck was treated for minor injuries, and no one on the plane was hurt. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reclassified the incident as an accident and is investigating. The plane was landing on the shortest runway at the airport, which is generally only used during strong winds.
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United Airlines’ Boeing 767 came close to disaster, hitting a truck and light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike. The NTSB has taken over the investigation, and the airline has put the pilots on leave. Safety expert Steve Arroyo notes that the margin of error on this approach is extremely low. Former crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti says this type of accident is unprecedented for an airliner.
The incident may have created a hole in the side of the plane, but details are scarce.
Investigators will examine the cockpit voice and flight data recorders to determine what went wrong.
This incident is a rare example of an airliner striking a vehicle.
The investigation will likely take a month to produce a preliminary report.
United’s pilots will face scrutiny over their planning and execution of the landing.
Author: Evan Null
