United Airlines Flight Strikes Light Pole During Newark Landing; No Injuries Reported

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767 arriving from Venice, Italy, struck a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 2 p.m. EDT, and all 221 passengers and 10 crew members disembarked without injury.

United Airlines stated that the aircraft "came into contact with a light pole" during its approach. The airline confirmed that the plane taxied to the gate normally and that no passengers or crew were injured. The maintenance team is currently evaluating the aircraft for any damage, and the crew has been removed from service pending a thorough flight safety investigation.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported that the incident caused damage to both the light pole and a tractor-trailer traveling south on the turnpike. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries, was taken to the hospital, and later released. Airport staff inspected the runway for debris, and normal operations resumed shortly thereafter.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident. An NTSB investigator is expected to arrive in Newark on Monday, and United Airlines has been directed to provide the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to assist in the investigation. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.