FAA probes incident as aircraft strikes highway objects before landing at Newark
A United Airlines aircraft carrying 231 people narrowly avoided disaster on Sunday after part of the plane struck a lamppost and a truck while flying low over a highway during its approach to land.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Boeing 767, arriving from Italy, landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Preliminary findings from the New Jersey State Police indicated that as the aircraft descended toward the runway, one of its wheels and part of its underside collided with a pole and a transport truck traveling on a nearby highway. The impact caused the pole to fall onto a passing vehicle.
Officials reported no injuries among passengers or crew, while the truck driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
United Airlines Flight 169 was carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members at the time of the incident, which occurred at around 2 pm local time near the airport’s runway approach.
Company officials said the truck involved, belonging to H&S Bakery, was not significantly damaged, although the aircraft’s wheel reportedly struck the driver’s side window. The airline added that a comprehensive safety investigation is underway, and the flight crew has been suspended pending its outcome.
