Summary: On Sunday afternoon, United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 arriving from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport. The aircraft landed safely. No injuries were reported among the 221 passengers and 10 crew members. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated and released. Multiple agencies are investigating the incident.
Incident Timeline
On Sunday afternoon, United Airlines Flight 169 was on approach to Newark Liberty International Airport after originating from Venice, Italy. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-400, was vectored to Runway 29 due to windy conditions. Runway 29 is 6,725 feet long and is located adjacent to the New Jersey Turnpike.
During the final approach, the aircraft's landing gear and underside struck a light pole above the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike. The collision also involved a tractor-trailer traveling on the highway below. The light pole subsequently fell and struck a Jeep.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 29.
Key Sentence: The aircraft crossed the New Jersey Turnpike at just 19 feet above the ground.
Injuries and Damage
- Passengers and Crew: No injuries were reported among the 221 passengers and 10 crew members on board the aircraft.
- Truck Driver: The driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as Warren Boardley, sustained cuts from broken glass. He was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
- Aircraft: Post-landing inspection revealed three punctures on the fuselage and slash marks on one landing gear tire. United Airlines stated the aircraft sustained minor damage and that its maintenance team is evaluating the damage.
- Vehicle: The tractor-trailer was not damaged, and the bread product inside was unaffected.
NTSB Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report on the incident. According to the report:
- The captain was flying the aircraft, and the first officer was monitoring instruments.
- During the gusty approach, the aircraft's airspeed decreased. The first officer stated, "hey you are slow," followed by "you are still slow and a little low."
- The captain acknowledged hearing the callout but considered the aircraft in a safe position.
- The captain reported hearing a "thump" just before touchdown. The first officer reported feeling a "mild jolt."
- The aircraft crossed the New Jersey Turnpike at 19 feet above the ground.
Investigation and Response
- Investigating Agencies: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Port Authority Police, and the New Jersey State Police are investigating the incident.
- NTSB Actions: The NTSB has launched an investigation and requested the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from United Airlines. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. The final report is expected within a year.
- United Airlines Actions: United Airlines stated it will conduct a flight safety investigation. The flight crew has been removed from service pending the investigation. Following the incident, United Airlines reminded pilots landing at Newark to use visual glideslope indicators for safe obstruction clearance.
- Airport Operations: Following the incident, runway inspections were conducted, and normal airport operations resumed.
Statements
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: Commented via social media that the incident is unacceptable and that such incidents are studied and learned from to maintain aviation safety.
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill: Expressed gratitude for the safe outcome.
- Chuck Paterakis (Schmidt Bakery Vice President): Stated that the driver felt the plane's tires landing on or brushing the top of the tractor.
Video Evidence
Dash cam footage from the truck shows the moment of impact, with the aircraft's wheel visible outside the driver's window.
Key Sentence: The driver felt the plane's tires landing on or brushing the top of the tractor.