United Airlines Flight Hits Light Pole During Newark Landing, FAA Investigates

A United Airlines flight arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport was involved in an unusual incident on Sunday when the aircraft struck a light pole during its final descent, prompting an investigation by aviation authorities. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 traveling from Venice, Italy, made contact with a light pole along the New Jersey Turnpike at approximately 2 p.m.

Despite the mid-air collision with the roadside structure, the aircraft landed safely at Newark Airport without any reported injuries among passengers or crew. Officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that only minor damage was observed on the plane, and airport operations resumed quickly after a routine runway inspection for debris.

The incident also impacted a tractor trailer traveling on the nearby highway. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being released. Authorities described the damage to the vehicle and surrounding infrastructure as limited.

United Airlines stated that its maintenance team is currently assessing the aircraft to determine the extent of the damage. The airline also confirmed that the flight crew has been temporarily removed from duty as part of standard safety procedures. A spokesperson emphasized that a comprehensive safety review will be conducted.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a formal investigation into the event. An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive in Newark to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The agency has instructed United Airlines to secure and provide critical flight data, including the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, to aid in determining the cause.

This rare aviation incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and thorough investigations to ensure continued passenger safety and operational reliability in the airline industry.