An international United Airlines flight struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer as it approached Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday, injuring a truck driver on the ground, authorities said.
Flight 169, traveling from Venice, Italy to New Jerseymade contact with the pole during its descent around 2 p.m., the airline and police told FOX Business. THE the plane landed safely and I drove to the door. The 221 passengers and 10 crew members were unhurt.
“During its final approach to Newark International Airport, United Flight 169 contacted a light pole,” United said in a statement to FOX Business. “The plane landed safely, taxied normally to the gate and no passengers or crew were injured.”
PILOT REPORTS DRONE FEAR IN MIDDLE NEAR AIRPORT DURING LANDING APPROACH
United said its maintenance teams were inspecting the plane for possible damage and conducting a full safety review. (Patrick Oyulu via Storyful / Storyful)
United said its maintenance teams inspect the aircraft for possible damage and conduct a comprehensive safety review. The crew members on board were temporarily placed out of service.
New Jersey State Police said troopers responded around 1:58 p.m. near the New Jersey Turnpike.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the landing gear and underside of the plane struck a pole and a tractor-trailer, sending the pole into a Jeep traveling on the roadway.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to New Jersey State Police.
UNITED AIRLINES RAISES TICKET PRICES UP TO 20% AS FUEL COSTS INCREASE AT CENTER OF IRAN WAR
Federal authorities have also opened an investigation into the incident. (Patrick Oyulu via Storyful / Storyful)
“The crash remains under investigationand no additional information is available,” New Jersey State Police told FOX Business.
Federal authorities have also opened an investigation into the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the plane hit the pole around 2 p.m. local time and said it was investigating.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also opened an investigation and said an investigator is expected to arrive in Newark on Monday.
TRUMP TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY DUFFY ANNOUNCES RELIEF FOR FLYERS AND SPIRIT AIRLINES EMPLOYEES
United Airlines planes are seen at the gate at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, May 7, 2025. (KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The agency has requested that United Airlines secure and provide both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to support the investigation. A preliminary report describing the facts and circumstances of the event is expected within 30 days,” the NTSB told FOX Business in an email.
The incident comes just days after a United pilot reported a possible drone encounter while approaching San Diego International Airport, according to Air Traffic.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
The FAA did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Bonny Chu of FOX Business contributed to this report.
