Google Earth image showing the New Jersey turnpike, light post and approach end of runway 29. Note: the turnpike is 5 ft higher

​Google Earth image showing the New Jersey turnpike, light post and approach end of ​​runway 29. Note: the turnpike is 5 ft higher than the runway and altitude is depicted as height above ground, so the airplane descended a total of 6 ft between 1350:04 and 1350:05.​

Boeing 767 impact with NJ Turnpike light pole while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport

What Happened

​​​​​​​Th​is information is preliminary and subject to change.

​​Updated 4 June, 2026

​On May 3, 2026, about 13:50 eastern daylight time (EDT), United Airlines flight 169, Boeing B767-424ER, N77066, struck a light pole on the New Jersey turnpike while on final approach to runway 29 at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey. Debris from the light pole subsequently impacted a tractor-trailer traveling southbound on the New Jersey turnpike. The airplane landed and taxied to the gate without further incident. The 3 flight crew members, 8 cabin crew members and 220 passengers deplaned at the gate without any injury. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries. The damage to the airplane was substantial.

The flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121 as a scheduled international passenger flight from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice, Italy to EWR.

As part of the investigative process, the NTSB invited qualified parties to participate in the investigation. These included:

  • the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
  • United Airlines, 
  • Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and 
  • the Boeing Company.  

​​Read the preliminary report​.​​


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