Tell-Tale ATC Sign: Why United Airlines' Boeing 767 Pilots Likely Had No Idea They Hit An 18-Wheeler

ATC guidance and a high-stress approach converged in Newark when United Airlines flight UA169, a Boeing 767-400ER (N77066) from Venice Marco Polo, struck an 18-wheeler on the New Jersey Turnpike and clipped a light pole that fell onto a Jeep. The jet, carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew, was on an unusual RNAV W approach to Runway 29 due to winds, with tower winds listed at 300 degrees/15 knots, gusting to 31. A hole appeared in the aircraft’s side after landing, and the plane remains grounded as the pilots were temporarily removed. The NTSB has classified the landing as an accident, with a preliminary report due within 30 days. Newark’s runways include 04L/22R (11,000 ft) and 04R/22L (10,000 ft), while 11/29 is 6,725 ft and used sparingly.