United Airlines Flight 169 Strikes Light Pole, Truck on Approach to Newark
A United Airlines Boeing 767-400, operating as Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 29 with 221 passengers and 10 crew members aboard; no injuries were reported among those on the plane.
"The aircraft's landing gear and underside contacted a light pole above the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike."
Incident Details
The collision occurred while the aircraft was on approach to Runway 29, a 6,725-foot runway, the shortest of Newark's three runways. Sources reported that the aircraft was vectored to this runway due to windy conditions. The aircraft's landing gear and underside contacted a light pole above the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike, which is directly under the approach path. The damaged light pole subsequently fell and struck a Jeep traveling on the highway.
Damage and Injuries
The tractor-trailer driver, identified as Warren Boardley of Baltimore, sustained cuts from broken glass and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released. Chuck Paterakis, vice president of transportation for Schmidt Bakery, reported that the driver felt the aircraft's tires landing on or brushing the top of the tractor. The trailer was not damaged, and its cargo of bread products was unaffected.
United Airlines stated that the aircraft sustained minor damage and that a maintenance team is evaluating the extent of the damage. The light pole was damaged during the incident.
Response and Investigation
Port Authority Police and New Jersey State Police responded to the scene. Airport operations resumed after runway inspections for debris.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority are investigating the incident. The NTSB has requested the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Initial investigative focus includes whether wind conditions or crew situational awareness contributed to the aircraft being at a lower altitude than intended.
United Airlines stated that it will conduct a flight safety investigation and that the flight crew has been removed from service during the process.
Statements
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the incident via social media, stating that the event is unacceptable and that such incidents are studied and learned from to maintain aviation safety. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed gratitude for the safe outcome.
Video Evidence
Dash cam footage from the truck shows the moment of impact, with the aircraft's wheel visible outside the driver's window.