A United Airlines passenger jet struck a delivery truck while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, leaving one person injured and prompting a federal investigation into the unusual incident.
According to officials, the Boeing 767 aircraft—operating as United Flight 169 from Venice, Italy—was descending toward the runway on Sunday afternoon when its landing gear and underside collided with a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Authorities said the plane also clipped a nearby light pole, which then fell and struck a passing Jeep.
Driver Suffers Minor Injuries
The truck driver, identified as Warren Boardley, sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and was transported to a hospital for treatment before being released. No passengers or crew members aboard the aircraft were hurt.
The flight was carrying more than 200 passengers and crew at the time of the incident. Despite the mid-air collision with objects on the ground, the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate without further issues.
Dramatic Footage Captured
Dashcam footage from the truck captured the shocking moment of impact, showing the plane flying unusually low over the highway before the collision. The video quickly spread across social media, highlighting how close the aircraft came to traffic below.
The stretch of highway runs directly alongside the airport, and planes typically pass low overhead during landing. However, investigators are now examining why this aircraft descended low enough to strike roadside objects.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has classified the incident as an accident due to the damage sustained by the aircraft and has launched a formal investigation. Officials are reviewing cockpit voice and flight data recorders and interviewing the flight crew.
United Airlines confirmed the crew has been removed from service pending the outcome of the investigation and said it is conducting its own internal safety review.
Airport officials reported that operations at Newark resumed shortly after the incident, following inspections for debris on the runway.
Growing Aviation Safety Concerns
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety following several recent accidents, including a deadly collision involving an aircraft and a ground vehicle at New York’s LaGuardia Airport earlier this year.
While Sunday’s event resulted in no serious injuries, officials emphasized that the outcome could have been far worse given the proximity of the aircraft to a busy highway during its descent.
