The United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER that struck a light pole as it approached Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in May is slated to return to service soon. The damaged plane has been in Rio de Janeiro since August 12 after it sat at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for a month before being ferried to Brazil for repair.

At 24 years old, the jet, N77066, primarily operates nonstop long-haul services between the US East Coast and popular leisure destinations in Europe. The plane was arriving in Newark in May after a flight from Venice , when the jet hit a light pole on approach to the busy New York airport. The debris from the light pole subsequently struck a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike. The plane landed safely and taxied to the gate.

A United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER Hit A Light Pole On Approach To Newark

As previously reported on Simple Flying, the jet was arriving in Newark after its nonstop flight from Venice, when the plane struck a light pole. This caused substantial damage to the jet, and it has been out of service for months since. The plane landed safely, and the three flight crew members, eight cabin crew members, and all 220 passengers onboard were unharmed.

The jet was being flown by the captain at the time of the incident, and according to the Aviation Safety Network, the flight had otherwise been uneventful until the descent. The crew prepared to land the widebody on runway 4R; however, they had a change to runway 22L during the descent. The plane was preparing for landing when a request was made to place the flight in a holding pattern, which was quickly revoked.

As the plane prepared for the hold, the aircraft slowed to around 250 knots (463 km/h), and the captain briefed the new approach to Runway 29. The first officer called out that the airspeed was slow and there were no windshear alerts, so the crew felt the plane was in a safe position to land. Moments later, the speed and altitude were called out again regarding the low airspeed and altitude. As the plane came in for touchdown, the captain 'heard a thump', and it was realized the aircraft had hit the light pole.

N77066 Removed From Service After It Hit A Light Pole

The aircraft landed safely and proceeded to the gate, where all passengers and crew disembarked. Once off the airplane, the captain was seen on the ground assessing the damage to the plane, where the aircraft had taken the brunt of the light pole on the aft fuselage. On examination, three punctures were identified on the lower aft fuselage, and the damage extended from station 1219 to 1373.

A forward puncture was around six inches long, while others were up to 46 inches long. Between the damaged areas, several dents and creases were also found. The #1 tire on the left main landing gear had also sustained some damage. The tractor-trailer that was also struck by the falling light pole on the turnpike sustained windshield damage and damage to the side of the trailer.

The plane, which carries registration N77066, was subsequently removed from service and remained on the apron at Newark from May 3 until July 22, when flight data shows it was transferred to Cincinnati under flight number UA4214. On August 12, the plane was transferred to Brazil as UA4207, where it has been undergoing maintenance. A post on the United Fleet Website states that the plane will return to service soon.

Set To Return To Service After A Few Days In Rio de Janeiro

United maintains extensive maintenance facilities in Rio, which serves as its primary heavy-maintenance facility outside the US. The location specializes in the 767. United took over the former TAP Air Portugal Maintenance & Engineering facility and has since used the hub for heavy checks and extensive aircraft overhauls, according to Air Data News. Having a base in Brazil helps reduce operational labor costs compared with undertaking work in the US.

When looking at flight data, there is no exact date yet scheduled for the aircraft's return to service; however, once operational again, the plane will join the other 15 767-400ERs that United operates. The Star Alliance carrier has these planes configured with a total of 231 seats, spread across 34 United Polaris, 24 United Premium Plus, 48 Economy Plus, and 125 Economy.