NEWARK, N.J. (VINnews) – A United Airlines flight from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole above the New Jersey Turnpike while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday afternoon, damaging a tractor-trailer below and injuring its driver.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. as United Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400, approached Runway 29. The aircraft clipped the pole over the southbound lanes, authorities said. Despite the collision, the plane landed safely with no injuries among the 221 passengers and 10 crew members aboard. It taxied normally to the gate and sustained only minor damage.
United Airlines said its maintenance team is evaluating the aircraft and will conduct a full safety investigation. The crew has been removed from service pending the probe.
“The driver experienced a commercial plane’s tires landing on the tractor or brushing the top of the tractor,” Chuck Paterakis, vice president of transportation for Schmidt Bakery and owner of H&S Family of Bakeries, told ABC News. The tractor-trailer, operated by Baker’s Express, was delivering bread products to a Newark airport depot.
Driver Warren Boardley of Baltimore was traveling northbound on the Turnpike when the incident occurred. He pulled over safely and contacted his employer. Boardley suffered cuts to his arm and forearm from broken glass but was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital. The trailer and its cargo were undamaged.
Port Authority Police and New Jersey State Police responded to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating, along with officials from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Airport officials conducted immediate runway inspections and quickly resumed normal operations.
Rwy 29 in EWR should not be used for wide bodies
I drive by LaGuardia almost everyday and JFk very often I’m surprised we don’t have more of these incidents. Some of the planes come in very low.
Yikes!