United Airlines' Boeing 777 makes a breathtaking low approach over a New Jersey highway during its landing on Runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport. This incident, captured on a dashcam on May 18, 2025, showcases the unique challenges and procedures of low-altitude landings. The video, posted on Twitter by @xAviation, reveals a United 777 descending towards the runway, its landing gear extended, while the car remains near the I-78 bridge.
Runway 29, a short crosswind runway at Newark, is only 6,726 feet long with 6,502 feet of landing distance available, making low-altitude approaches a necessity. The runway's limited length and the presence of nearby highway and power lines during the final approach further emphasize the complexity of such landings. The video's timestamp of 01:49 PM on 05/18/2025 suggests that the plane was indeed executing a low approach, possibly around 70-80 feet above runway elevation, which is a rare sight.
This particular landing is reminiscent of Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, where a similar incident occurred with a JetBlue plane. The low altitude approach over the highway raises questions about safety and the procedures in place to manage such landings. The fact that this incident gained attention on aviation forums and social media indicates the public's fascination with such rare and thrilling moments.
The low approach over the Turnpike/I-78 bridge is not uncommon, as discussed in aviation forums, but the specific circumstances of this incident, including the runway closure and air traffic control changes, provide a unique context. The United 777's adherence to procedure in this low-altitude landing highlights the skill and precision required by pilots in such situations. This incident serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between safety, efficiency, and the thrill of aviation.
