The preliminary NTSB report on the United Airlines Flight 169 incident at Newark has been released.
According to investigators, the crew encountered gusty headwinds and moderate turbulence on final approach to Runway 29. The captain disconnected the autopilot and autothrottles at about 880 feet and reduced thrust after the aircraft accelerated in the headwind.
As the aircraft descended below 500 feet, the first officer repeatedly warned that the jet was becoming "slow" and later "still slow and a little low." Despite the decreasing airspeed, the approach continued and the captain responded to the automated 500-foot callout with "stable."
Just seconds before touchdown, multiple crew members heard a loud "thump." After landing, the aircraft taxied normally to the gate, where the captain discovered significant damage to the aft fuselage.
Investigators found three punctures, dents, and creases along the lower left rear fuselage. The damage was substantial enough to affect all three elements of the fuselage structure. The No. 1 left main landing gear tire also showed slash marks.
The report also details damage to the truck involved in the collision, including windshield damage and punctures in the trailer's aluminum siding.
Following the incident, United issued new operational guidance to pilots, warning against "ducking under" electronic or visual glide paths during the visual segment of an approach—a technique identified through its Safety Management System as contributing to dangerously low approach altitudes.
The investigation remains ongoing.