Authorities are investigating an incident in which a passenger jet hit a light pole while coming in to land.

A United Airlines passenger aircraft was approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday, May 3, when it struck a light pole on the adjacent New Jersey Turnpike.

The incident involving United Airlines Flight 169 occurred at approximately 2pm. The Boeing 767 touched down safely, having arrived in the US from Venice, Italy, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.

United Airlines stated that the flight "came into contact with a light pole" during its final approach to Newark.

"The aircraft landed safely, taxied to the gate normally and no passengers or crew were injured."

United confirmed that its maintenance team was assessing damage to the aircraft.

The crew have been removed from service while the airline carries out a "rigorous" flight safety investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced via a statement posted on X that it had launched an investigation into the incident.

An investigator from the board is due to arrive in Newark on Monday, with the NTSB having instructed United Airlines to hand over the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to assist the inquiry.

A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days.