It appears an airliner landing at Newark Liberty International Airport did not strike a passing tractor-trailer as originally reported in early May.
A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released Thursday says the tractor-trailer was in fact struck by a light pole the United Airlines jet struck during its landing approach at the New Jersey airport. The tractor-trailer was on the New Jersey Turnpike at the time of the crash on May 3.
The driver of the truck was injured when part of the light pole struck the truck’s windshield and the side of the trailer.
The NTSB report said:
“The tractor-trailer that was struck by the light pole had damage to the windshield and the side of the trailer. The windshield appeared to have impact damage and there were impact marks on the forward upper left corner of the trailer, and punctures in the aluminum siding. One major puncture was on the front face of the trailer, and the second puncture was minor and on the forward left side of the trailer. There was no evidence of tire marks on either the tractor cab or trailer.”
The NTSB report also says the flight with 230 passengers and 11 crew members was flying “low and slow” on its approach to the airport.
The Boeing 8767 sustained three punctures to the fuselage as a result of striking the light pole.
The plane landed without any other incident and passengers deplaned in a normal fashion. There were no injuries onboard.
The NTSB continues its investigation.
NTSB
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