Today marks the first anniversary of the "Miracle On The Hudson", the successful ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River. On Thursday, January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320, departed La Guardia Airport with 150 passengers and 5 crew. Shortly after takeoff, they encountered a flock of Canada Geese, and the multiple bird strikes caused them to loose power in both engines. With insufficient altitude to return to La Guardia or reach nearby Teterboro Airport, the flight crew opted to ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River. Thanks to a controlled touchdown, and the fast action by the nearby water taxi service, all 155 were rescued, most with only minor injuries. The aircraft continued to float in the river, carried south by the current. It eventually was tied up near Battery Park City, some 4 miles from where it landed. It remained in the water until late Saturday night, when it was lifted onto a barge and moved to Jersey City where the NTSB examined the wreckage.
A job well done by Captain "Sully" Sullenberger (a former
Air Force pilot!) First Officer Jeff Skiles, and Flight Attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, as well as the many who came to the rescue of the passengers and crew.
Miracle doesn't come close to describing it!
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