United Airlines Boeing 767 Strikes Light Pole and Truck on New Jersey Turnpike During Landing, Injuring Driver

Key facts

• United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767, struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday.
• The plane was traveling from Venice, Italy, and was going over 255 km/h (160 mph) when it crossed the New Jersey Turnpike.
• All 221 passengers and 10 crew members were unharmed; the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate normally.
• The truck driver, Warren Boardley of Baltimore, sustained non-life-threatening injuries from broken glass and was taken to a hospital.
• The pole struck a Jeep after being hit by the plane.rles Marchan.
• The National Transportation Safety Board is sending an investigator to analyze the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.
• United Airlines has removed the crew from service and is conducting a full safety review and maintenance inspection.

Aircraft Strikes Infrastructure and Vehicle During Descent

A United Airlines Boeing 767, operating as Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon. The plane, traveling at over 255 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) according to flight tracking site Flightradar24, crossed over the highway just outside the airport before making contact. The aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate normally, with no injuries reported among the 221 passengers and 10 crew members aboard, United Airlines confirmed. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., prompting a response from New Jersey State Police troopers near the turnpike.

Truck Driver Injured, Pole Strikes Jeep

The truck driver, Warren Boardley of Baltimore, was heading north on the turnpike to deliver bread products to a Newark airport depot when the plane's landing gear and underside collided with his vehicle. Chuck Paterakis, senior vice president of transportation for Schmidt Bakery and co-owner of H&S Family of Bakeries, told CNN that Boardley sustained cuts to his arm from broken glass but did not suffer serious injuries and was able to pull over safely. He was expected to be released from the hospital later Sunday. A preliminary investigation by New Jersey State Police found that a tire from the plane's landing gear and the underside of the aircraft struck a pole and the tractor-trailer, after which the pole hit a Jeep traveling on the roadway. Spokesman SFC Charles Marchan stated that the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

Witness Describes Low-Flying Plane and Debris

Patrick Oyulu, who was driving on the highway, saw the low-flying plane and felt a huge gust of wind pass over him. "It was just coming directly in front of the truck … I just saw smoke and debris," he told CNN. He speculated that the truck may have been trying to maneuver out of the way but was cornered. Dashcam video from the truck captured the moment of impact, showing the driver traveling along the road as the sound of the plane's engines grew louder. Suddenly, the landing gear tires struck the truck, shaking it and sending shards of glass flying.

United Airlines and Federal Authorities Launch Investigations

United Airlines stated that its maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft and conducting a rigorous flight safety investigation. The crew members on board have been removed from service as part of the process. "The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured," the airline said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is sending an investigator to Newark and will analyze the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder as part of its investigation. New Jersey State Police said the crash remains under investigation and no additional information is available.

Broader Context of Aviation Safety Incidents

The incident adds to a series of recent aviation safety events involving United Airlines, including a midair drone scare reported by a pilot during landing approach at a different airport. While such occurrences are rare, they underscore the risks inherent in low-altitude flight near major airports and highways. The Boeing 767, a wide-body aircraft commonly used for long-haul international flights, has a strong safety record. The flight from Venice to Newark is a regular route, and the aircraft was carrying a full complement of passengers and crew.

Next Steps and Open Questions

The NTSB investigation will focus on determining the exact cause of the collision, including whether any mechanical failure or pilot error contributed. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder will provide critical data on the aircraft's altitude, speed, and trajectory during the final approach. United Airlines has not yet provided a timeline for the safety review or the return of the crew to service. The truck driver's condition and recovery will be monitored, and the airline may face legal or regulatory scrutiny depending on the investigation's findings.

A Close Call with No Casualties Aboard

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, the outcome could have been far worse. The aircraft's safe landing and the absence of injuries among passengers and crew highlight the effectiveness of emergency procedures and pilot training. However, the injury to the truck driver on the ground serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed to those below during aviation operations. The incident will likely prompt a review of approach paths and safety buffers over highways near airports, as well as reinforce the importance of rigorous maintenance and crew readiness.

The bottom line

• United Airlines Flight 169 struck a light pole and a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike during landing, but all 221 passengers and 10 crew were unharmed.
• The truck driver, Warren Boardley, sustained minor cuts and was hospitalized; he is expected to recover.
• The NTSB is investigating, analyzing cockpit and flight data recorders to determine the cause.
• United Airlines has removed the crew from service and is conducting a full safety review.
• The incident occurred at over 255 km/h (160 mph) as the plane crossed the highway just outside Newark airport.
• A witness described seeing smoke and debris as the plane passed low over the truck.