Dashcam video has captured the shocking moment a United Airlines plane struck a bakery truck while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, May 3, as Flight 169 descended toward the runway.
Details of the Incident
The footage, recorded from inside the truck, shows the driver—an employee of Baltimore-based H&S Bakery—calmly driving along the New Jersey Turnpike. He had been singing moments before the terrifying event unfolded. Suddenly, a loud whistling sound from the incoming aircraft could be heard overhead. The confused driver looked up quickly as one of the jet’s wheels smashed into the truck’s window, sending glass flying in all directions.
Miraculously, the driver, who was not identified, sustained only small cuts and was treated at a local hospital, according to KATV. Chuck Paterakis, co-principal at H&S Bakery, expressed relief, stating, “To me, that everybody on that plane, everybody and the driver, God was looking after them, there’s no doubt. If we did that scenario again, I don’t know if anybody could’ve survived that.”
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-400, which had originated from Venice, Italy. Despite the collision, the plane managed to land safely on Runway 29, which runs perpendicular to the highway. Incoming planes typically fly over the busy Turnpike at a low altitude—just feet above passing cars—before touchdown.
United Airlines confirmed that none of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members on board were injured. The airline also stated that the flight landed without further incident.
Aftermath and Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many marveling at the survival of all involved. Social media posts, including one by Collin Rugg, highlighted the extraordinary nature of the event. The bakery truck driver’s calm demeanor before the crash and the minimal injuries sustained have been described as miraculous.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The New Jersey Turnpike remains a busy corridor near the airport, and such close encounters between aircraft and ground traffic are rare but not unprecedented.
