NEWARK, NJ — Federal authorities are investigating a harrowing approach at Newark Liberty International Airport after a United Airlines Boeing 767 struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike just moments before touchdown on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the impact, United Flight 169 (a Boeing 767-400 arriving from Venice, Italy) landed safely at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time. None of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members on board were injured.
The Incident
The aircraft (registration N77066) was on its final approach to Newark when it made contact with a light pole located on the heavily trafficked New Jersey Turnpike, which runs adjacent to the airport’s perimeter.
While the plane “taxied to the gate normally,” the proximity of the aircraft to the ground and public infrastructure has raised immediate concerns regarding the flight’s altitude during the final moments of its descent.
Official Statement
United Airlines: “Upon its final approach into Newark International Airport, United flight 169 came into contact with a light pole. The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured. Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft and we will investigate how this occurred.”
The Investigation Status
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have moved quickly to determine the cause of the low-altitude contact.
- NTSB Arrival: A lead investigator is scheduled to arrive in Newark on Monday.
- Data Recovery: The NTSB has ordered United Airlines to secure the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) for immediate analysis.
- Timeline: A preliminary report detailing the facts and circumstances is expected to be released within 30 days.
