A United Airlines flight experienced a turbulent landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday after striking a light pole and a bakery truck on the New Jersey Turnpike. The incident occurred as the Boeing 767-400, arriving from Venice, Italy, was approaching the runway.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft hit a light pole and a tractor-trailer, with the pole subsequently striking a jeep traveling on the highway, according to New Jersey State Police spokesperson Charles Marchan. Despite the collision, United Flight 169 landed safely, sustaining only minor damage. The plane taxied to the gate as scheduled, and no injuries were reported among the 221 passengers and 10 crew members on board.
Injuries and Aftermath
The driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as Warren Boardley, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but was later discharged. Dashcam footage from the H&S Bakery delivery truck captured the moment the plane hit the vehicle. The video shows Boardley operating the truck as the jet's roar is heard, followed by the camera being knocked sideways as debris flies through the air. Chuck Paterakis, senior vice-president of Transportation & Logistics at H&S Bakery, stated that the driver suffered minor injuries from broken glass.
Investigation Underway
United Airlines confirmed that a maintenance team is assessing the damage to the aircraft. The company released a statement saying, "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 U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, with the NTSB arriving at Newark airport on Monday. United has been ordered to secure the cockpit and flight data recorders for the investigation.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the truck driver was taken to the hospital and later released. The incident has prompted a thorough review of landing procedures and safety protocols at the airport.
