A United Airlines flight had a close call during its approach to Newark Liberty International Airport recently. As Flight UA169 was landing, it struck a light pole over the New Jersey Turnpike. Fortunately, the crew and 221 passengers onboard landed safely, but a driver on the highway was injured when part of the light pole hit his truck.
The flight was arriving from Venice, Italy, and landed around 2 p.m. While the plane suffered minor damage, there were no injuries reported among those aboard. The driver, however, was taken to the hospital for treatment of glass injuries in his arm and hand but has since been released.
Chuck Paterakis, who supervises transportation for Schmidt Bakery, explained how the driver was transporting goods when the incident occurred. He expressed relief saying, “It’s a miracle. It could have been traumatically worse.”
Dashcam footage shared with NBC shows the moment of impact, revealing a loud noise followed by the sound of breaking glass as the light pole struck the vehicle. Experts note that such incidents are rare but highlight the importance of flight safety measures.
The Port Authority police have reported that both the aircraft and the highway were inspected after the incident. Normal operations resumed quickly at Newark Airport. United Airlines stated it is conducting an investigation and has removed the flight crew from service as part of standard procedures.
Authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are looking into the matter. An NTSB investigator is set to visit Newark, and the agency has requested the plane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders for further analysis. A preliminary report is expected within a month.
Statistically, air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with the NTSB reporting that only a handful of serious incidents occur each year. This incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in aviation safety and the quick response capabilities of airport staff during emergencies.
If you’re interested in more detailed safety protocols, the FAA provides comprehensive information on aviation safety standards here.
