United Flight 169 Hits Light Pole Near Newark; Investigation Underway
United Flight 169 Hits Light Pole Near Newark; Investigation Underway
A United Airlines Boeing 767-400 struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport. No passengers or crew were injured.
A United Airlines Boeing 767-400 on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport touched a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike and briefly struck a tractor-trailer. The incident occurred around 2 pm EDT on Sunday, authorities said. The plane, which was en route from Venice, Italy, was reported to be carrying hundreds of people, with one account listing 221 passengers and 10 crew members and another mentioning 231 people aboard.
The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate without further incident, according to the airline and airport authorities. However, the tractor-trailer driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. There were no reported injuries among passengers or crew aboard the flight.
Federal investigators are examining the episode. The Federal Aviation Administration said it opened an investigation into United Airlines Flight 169, and the National Transportation Safety Board said it would also look into the incident, directing United to secure and deliver cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder data. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. United issued a statement saying the aircraft landed safely, was taxied normally to the gate, and its crew had been removed from service as part of the safety process while maintenance teams assess damage to the aircraft.
The incident underscores ongoing safety oversight for airline operations around major airports. Investigators will examine factors on approach paths and coordination with ground services to determine how the collision occurred and whether any procedural or mechanical issues contributed.
