Newark, United States: A United Airlines widebody aircraft struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States on Sunday, raising fresh safety concerns over low-altitude approaches above busy highway infrastructure.
The incident involved United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 operating from Venice, Italy, which made contact with roadside infrastructure while descending toward Runway 29 at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time on May 3, 2026.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities, the aircraft’s landing gear and underside struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, a major highway that runs adjacent to the airport’s approach path.
The impact caused the light pole to collapse, with debris subsequently striking a passing Jeep on the roadway.
Despite the mid-air contact with ground objects, the aircraft continued its approach and landed safely, later taxiing to the gate without further incident.
All 221 passengers and 10 crew members onboard were unharmed, airline officials confirmed.
However, the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries, primarily cuts from broken glass, and was transported to hospital and is being released.
Authorities reported minor structural damage to the aircraft, including impact to a tire and the underside of the fuselage.
Emergency responders, including the New Jersey State Police and Port Authority personnel, attended the scene promptly. Airport officials conducted runway inspections for debris, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward.
The truck involved in the collision was reportedly transporting goods to an airport facility at the time of the incident.
Runway 29 at Newark is known for its low-altitude approach over the New Jersey Turnpike, where aircraft routinely pass just above vehicular traffic before touchdown.
“Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft,” said a United spokesperson. “We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched formal investigations into the incident.
The NTSB has directed the airline to secure critical evidence, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), and has deployed investigators to Newark. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, according to officials.
