One Injured After Plane Hits Truck While Landing at Newark Airport

A United Airlines Boeing 767 clipped a truck and streetlight while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, injuring the driver. The plane landed safely with no injuries to passengers or crew. United Airlines and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

A truck driver sustained minor injuries after a United Airlines Boeing 767 clipped his vehicle and a streetlight while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States on Sunday. The incident occurred as the aircraft was on final approach to land after an international flight from Venice, Italy.
Despite the collision, the aircraft landed safely, and none of the 231 passengers and crew members on board were injured. The truck was reportedly travelling on a service road near one of the airport’s runways when the aircraft came into contact with it. Dashcam footage from the truck showed the sound of a low-flying plane moments before the impact, followed by a sudden collision that sent shattered glass flying inside the vehicle.
The driver was treated for injuries to his arm and hand caused by broken glass. According to his employer, part of the aircraft’s tyre may have struck the truck’s windshield and side window during the incident, contributing to the damage and injuries. The streetlight was also reportedly hit as the aircraft passed overhead at low altitude.
United Airlines confirmed the incident and said it has launched a comprehensive internal investigation. The airline stated that the flight crew has been removed from active duty while the review is ongoing, as part of standard safety procedures following such events. It also confirmed that its engineering teams are inspecting the aircraft to assess any structural or mechanical damage.
Authorities from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have formally classified the incident as an “accident” due to the extent of the damage involved. An investigator has been dispatched to Newark to begin on-site examinations, interviews with the flight crew, and collection of evidence.
The NTSB said its investigation will look into multiple factors, including flight operations, weather conditions at the time of landing, human performance, crew coordination, aircraft handling, and communication with air traffic control. Officials are also examining how a ground vehicle came to be in such close proximity to an active runway during an aircraft’s landing approach.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed relief that the situation did not result in more serious injuries or casualties, saying she was grateful the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers and crew were unharmed. Airport authorities are also cooperating with investigators as they review safety protocols around runway access and ground vehicle movement.
The incident has raised fresh questions about ground safety procedures at busy international airports, particularly regarding coordination between air traffic control and ground operations near active runways. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more details emerge from the NTSB inquiry.