A United Airlines flight encountered a harrowing incident during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport when it struck a light pole. The event occurred Sunday, leading to minor injuries for a driver on the New Jersey Turnpike and resulting in damage to the aircraft involved.
Flight UA169, a Boeing 767 with 221 passengers and 10 crew members aboard, reportedly struck an object over the southbound lane of the Turnpike, affecting a light post and a tractor trailer. According to the Port Authority Police Department, part of the pole dislodged and struck the vehicle as it was traveling south.
The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries and was promptly transported to a hospital, where he was treated and later released. Eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage shared with NBC News revealed a loud whizzing sound followed by the shattering of glass as the light pole made contact with the truck. Chuck Paterakis, who supervises transportation for Schmidt Bakery—a company for which the driver was delivering goods—expressed relief that the situation was not more severe. The driver suffered cuts from glass shards that pierced his arm and hand. “It’s a miracle,” Paterakis remarked, acknowledging how the incident could have resulted in far worse consequences.
Despite the incident, United Airlines reported that the aircraft landed safely around 2 p.m. and taxied to the gate without any injuries among the passengers and crew. A spokesperson stated that the plane incurred minor damage and that the airline’s maintenance team is currently evaluating the situation.
The airline has committed to conducting a thorough safety investigation into the incident. In light of the circumstances, the crew has been temporarily removed from service. Additionally, airport personnel inspected the runway for debris, allowing normal operations at Newark to resume swiftly.
Federal authorities are also involved in the matter, with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirming investigations are underway. The NTSB is set to send an investigator to Newark, and the agency has requested that United Airlines provide access to the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder as part of the investigative process. The NTSB anticipates releasing a preliminary report within a 30-day timeframe.
