NEWARK, N.J. — A United Airlines Boeing 767-400ER clipped a highway light pole and hit a bakery truck with landing gear while on final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in a dramatic low-altitude incident that prompted a federal investigation but resulted in no serious injuries to those on board.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, was descending toward the airport’s short Runway 29 when its landing gear and underside struck a light pole along the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) near Interchange 14 around 2 p.m. EDT. The light pole reportedly struck a passing Jeep on the highway. The landing gear of the airplane grazed a passing H&S Bakery tractor-trailer, shattering its windshield and injuring the driver, Warren Boardley, with minor cuts from glass. He was treated at a local hospital and released.
Dashcam video captured the moment, showing the massive jet flying unusually low—reportedly just 30 feet above the roadway at around 160 mph—before making contact. The plane, carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members, continued its approach and landed safely at EWR with no reported injuries among those on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an immediate investigation. NTSB investigators interviewed the flight crew on Monday, and the incident has been classified as an accident due to damage sustained by the aircraft.
United Airlines confirmed the plane landed without further incident and said it is cooperating fully with authorities. The airline has not yet released a full statement on possible causes, but early reports point to the aircraft being below the standard glide path during a visual approach.
This rare event highlights the close proximity of busy highways to airport runways at EWR, one of the nation’s busiest airports. No runway closures or major disruptions to air traffic were reported following the safe landing. Officials continue to examine flight data, crew actions, and airport procedures as the probe unfolds.
SOURCES:
NTSB investigating after United Airlines collision with light pole, truck damaged on NJ Turnpike during landing at Newark Airport – ABC7 New York
Video shows truck hit by United Airlines plane landing at Newark Airport – The Baltimore Banner
United Airlines flight hits pole and truck while landing at Newark | Fox Business
Plane Hits Light Post and Damages Tractor-Trailer at Newark Airport – The New York Times
United Airlines Flight 169 collides with truck and light pole as it lands at Newark airport | CNN
United Airlines flight strikes truck and light pole before landing at Newark Airport | The Independent
News 12 | New Jersey | Dashcam Video Captures United Jet Striking Pole And Truck Near Newark Airport
