Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport were briefly disrupted after a serious ground handling incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 767-300. The aircraft was struck by a catering truck while parked at the terminal, leaving a significant gash near the forward galley section of the fuselage.
The force of the impact was strong enough to immediately ground the aircraft, with engineers and safety inspectors rushing to assess the structural condition. The jet has since been moved to a maintenance area, where it will undergo detailed inspections, including checks for possible internal damage and pressure vessel integrity before any return to service is considered.
Although no passengers were onboard at the time, the incident highlights the risks present in the ramp environment, where multiple ground vehicles operate in tight spaces around high-value aircraft. Such accidents can result in costly repairs, operational delays, and aircraft downtime, especially when widebody jets are involved.
Federal Aviation Administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure all repair procedures meet strict safety standards. Meanwhile, United Airlines has launched an internal investigation to determine whether the collision was caused by human error or equipment failure.