United 767 Strikes Light Pole, Truck on Newark Approach

A United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer truck during final approach to Runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 3. Flight UA169, traveling from Venice, Italy, sustained damage to its underside and landing gear but managed to land safely and taxi to the gate under its own power.

United Airlines confirmed that all 221 passengers and 10 crew members were uninjured during the incident, though the truck driver sustained minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened a formal investigation and secured the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that runway operations resumed shortly after debris was cleared, though the aircraft remains grounded for maintenance inspection.

Aviation experts note that such an incident suggests the aircraft deviated from the standard glide path near public infrastructure. New Jersey State Police confirmed that debris from the light pole struck a third vehicle on the nearby Turnpike, necessitating a temporary roadway closure. A preliminary report regarding the cause of the low approach is expected within approximately 30 days.