Newark airport route where United plane hit truck is notoriously dangerous, expert says: ‘you’re out there in the wild west’
A United Airlines plane collided with a truck while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, highlighting dangers associated with the Stadium Visual Rwy 29 approach. Experts describe the route as unusually challenging due to a sharp turn, short runway, and nonstandard lighting. Dozens of pilots have previously reported near-misses and difficulties on this approach.
- ▪The Stadium Visual Rwy 29 approach requires a 70-degree turn and lands on the airport's shortest runway at about 6,700 feet.
- ▪Pilots have reported confusion due to the runway's PAPI lights being on the right side, which is uncommon.
- ▪The approach is known for irregularities, and veering right can place planes over active highway traffic.
- ▪A dashcam video captured the moment the plane struck a light pole and hit a bakery truck.
- ▪Robert Joslin, former FAA chief scientific and technical advisor, called the route 'wild west' if not flown correctly.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
US News Newark airport route where United plane hit truck is notoriously dangerous, expert says: ‘you’re out there in the wild west’ By Jared Downing Published May 4, 2026, 4:43 p.m. ET Dozens of pilots reported near-misses and other problems on the Newark Liberty International Airport approach where United Flight 169 smashed into a truck this weekend. Years of confidential reports submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration detail problems with “Stadium Visual Rwy 29” — a notoriously difficult and dangerous landing route, know for its irregularities and potential hazards. That approach is infamous for a sharp, 70-degree turn, an unusually short runway, nonstandard guidance lights, and other challenges, said Robert Joslin, former FAA’s chief scientific and technical advisor.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at US News – Latest Breaking Headlines, Photos & Videos | New York Post.
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