A United Airlines flight arriving from Venice, Italy, struck a tractor-trailer and a light pole while descending into Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, injuring a truck driver. The airplane passengers and crew were unharmed, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. as United Flight 169 approached the airport, flying low over the New Jersey Turnpike, a route commonly used during landing. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane’s landing gear and underside struck a tractor-trailer traveling southbound. The aircraft also struck a light pole during its descent, sending it into a nearby Jeep.
Dashcam footage from inside the truck captured the moments leading up to the collision. The driver, who works for Baltimore-based H&S Bakery, appeared relaxed and was singing before the sound of the approaching aircraft grew louder. The driver then looked up moments before one of the plane’s wheels hit the truck, shattering glass.
The driver, who was not identified, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities later said he had been released.
“To me, that everybody on that plane, everybody and the driver, God was looking after them, there’s no doubt,” said Chuck Paterakis, co-principal at H&S Bakery, the New York Post reported. “If we did that scenario again, I don’t know if anybody could’ve survived that.”
The Boeing 767 aircraft continued its landing and touched down safely on Runway 29, which runs perpendicular to the highway. United Airlines said all 221 passengers and 10 crew members on board were not injured.
In a statement, the airline said, “The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally, and no passengers or crew were injured,” NBC New York reported. The company added that its maintenance team is evaluating the plane for damage and that a full safety investigation is underway. The crew has been removed from service as part of that process.
Port Authority police reported minor damage to the aircraft and said airport staff inspected the runway for debris before quickly resuming normal operations.
Federal agencies have launched investigations into the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board said it will examine cockpit voice and flight data recorders, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. The FAA also confirmed it is investigating.
New Jersey State Police said the crash remains under investigation and that no additional information was immediately available.
