A United Airlines flight arriving from Venice narrowly avoided disaster after investigators say the aircraft flew only around 15 feet above one of New Jersey’s busiest highways before striking a light pole during landing at Newark Liberty Airport.

The incident involving United Flight 169 occurred on 3 May and is now under investigation by federal authorities after the aircraft suffered substantial damage and debris injured a driver on the ground.

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 767 carrying more than 230 passengers and crew, has remained grounded since the event.

Aircraft descended dangerously low above New Jersey Turnpike

According to investigators, the aircraft was approaching Newark during strong wind conditions while crews were managing multiple runway changes during descent.

Pilots were eventually instructed to land on Newark’s shortest runway.

During final approach, the first officer repeatedly warned the captain — who was manually flying the aircraft — that the aircraft was becoming both slow and low.

According to investigation details, the first officer eventually warned:

“You are still slow and a little low.”

Seconds later, the aircraft struck a light pole positioned near the approach path.

Light pole collapsed onto truck after impact

The collision caused the light pole to collapse onto a bakery delivery truck traveling below.

The truck driver suffered injuries after being struck by falling debris.

Meanwhile, passengers onboard the aircraft were able to disembark normally after landing.

The captain later reported hearing what he described as a “thump” shortly before touchdown.

Investigators subsequently discovered substantial aircraft damage, including a significant gash along the side of the fuselage.

Investigation focuses on approach procedures and runway assignment

Federal investigators are now examining whether a combination of operational pressures, weather conditions and runway changes contributed to the incident.

The investigation is expected to focus heavily on the final approach sequence, runway assignment decisions and cockpit resource management during the last minutes before landing.

One aviation expert familiar with the investigation suggested authorities will likely examine how similar situations can be prevented in the future.

The first officer later told investigators that moments before touchdown he looked outside and believed the aircraft appeared dangerously low above the turnpike — but by that stage there was insufficient time to intervene.

Serious questions raised despite avoiding catastrophe

While no passengers onboard were injured, the incident has raised serious questions because of how close the aircraft came to a catastrophic outcome.

The truck driver’s father summarized the severity of the situation in comments after the event:

“Imagine that, struck by a plane, generally nobody walks away from a plane crash.”

Investigators continue examining flight data, cockpit recordings and operational procedures as part of the ongoing inquiry.