A United Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft narrowly avoided catastrophe in the United States after colliding with a delivery truck while descending towards Newark Liberty International Airport. The incident, which occurred on Thursday (7 May), has prompted a formal investigation and drawn widespread attention after dramatic footage circulated on social media.
According to reports cited by NDTV, the commercial jet was on final approach when it came into contact with a bakery goods delivery truck operating near the airport perimeter. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle and resulted in injuries to its driver, identified as Boardley Junior, who sustained wounds to his arm and upper body after the aircraft’s landing gear penetrated the truck’s windscreen and side window.
Despite the severity of the collision, both the aircraft and its passengers escaped serious harm. United Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport and that no passengers or crew members on board were injured.
The truck driver was reportedly in a state of shock following the incident and immediately contacted his family. His father, Warren Boardley Senior—a well-known figure in Baltimore’s boxing community and a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame—described the emotional distress experienced by his son, stating that he was struggling to comprehend what had occurred.
Mr Boardley Senior further explained that his son is suffering from physical pain as well as potential internal injuries, although he expressed relief that the situation was not fatal. He also noted that while physical wounds may heal over time, the psychological impact of such an unexpected event could persist for much longer.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will examine flight operations, weather conditions, possible human error, air traffic control communication, and ground clearance procedures.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Boeing 767 |
| Operator | United Airlines |
| Location | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| Ground Vehicle | Bakery goods delivery truck |
| Injuries | Truck driver injured (arm and upper body), no injuries onboard |
| Investigating Authority | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
| Flight Phase | Final approach / landing descent |
The incident has raised renewed questions about ground-air coordination in busy airport environments, particularly during aircraft descent paths that intersect with authorised or nearby ground vehicle routes. While rare, such events underscore the complexity of managing mixed airside and landside operations in major international hubs.
The Boeing 767 involved in the incident is a widely used twin-engine wide-body aircraft, typically deployed on medium to long-haul routes. Authorities have not yet released further technical findings, and the investigation remains ongoing.