United Airlines Boeing 767 Strikes Light Pole and Truck While Landing at Newark Liberty International Airport After Flight From Italy
Federal Aviation Administration launches investigation after a Boeing 767 arriving from Venice made contact with roadside infrastructure near the New Jersey Turnpike; no injuries reported.
Italy, May 04 : A federal investigation is underway after a United Airlines passenger aircraft struck a light pole while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety near busy transport corridors.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident involved United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767 that had departed from Venice, Italy, before arriving in the United States. The aircraft reportedly made contact with a light pole located along the nearby New Jersey Turnpike shortly before landing at approximately 2 pm EDT.
Despite the impact, the aircraft landed safely without any injuries to passengers or crew members. Airport operations continued normally following the incident.
In an official statement, United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft “came into contact with a light pole” during its final descent into Newark. The airline said the jet successfully taxied to the gate after landing and all passengers disembarked safely.
The carrier also stated that its technical maintenance team has begun a full inspection of the aircraft to assess the extent of any structural damage caused during the approach.
United Airlines added that the flight crew involved in the incident has been temporarily removed from duty as part of standard operational procedure while the company conducts an internal safety review.
Authorities are also examining whether surrounding roadway structures or environmental conditions may have contributed to the unusual incident near one of the busiest airport corridors in the northeastern United States.
The FAA has not yet released preliminary findings, but aviation investigators are expected to review flight data, cockpit communications and approach procedures as part of the inquiry.
The incident drew attention because the aircraft was approaching over the heavily trafficked New Jersey Turnpike, a route that runs close to Newark Liberty International Airport and is frequently used by arriving international flights.
Passengers onboard reportedly remained calm as the aircraft completed its landing sequence safely, though several travelers later described hearing a loud sound moments before touchdown.
Aviation analysts noted that while minor ground-contact incidents during landing approaches are rare, strict inspections are required before the aircraft can return to service.
The Boeing 767 involved in the event will remain under evaluation until engineers complete safety checks and federal authorities determine whether additional action is necessary.
