US Airways flight 1549 | Description, Pilot, & Facts (2024)

water landing, Hudson River, New York, United States [2009]

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Also known as: Miracle on the Hudson

Written by

Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Amy Tikkanen

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Article History

US Airways flight 1549

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Also called:
Miracle on the Hudson
Date:
January 15, 2009
Location:
Hudson River
New York City
United States

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US Airways flight 1549, flight of a passenger airliner that made an emergency landing in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Five people were seriously injured, but there were no fatalities.

The airplane, an Airbus A320 operated by US Airways, took off from LaGuardia at approximately 3:25 pm. It was destined for Charlotte, North Carolina. On board were 5 crew members, including Capt. Chesley (“Sully”) Sullenberger III, and 150 passengers. About two minutes into the flight, the airplane flew into a flock of Canada geese. Both engines were severely damaged, causing an almost complete loss of thrust. Repeated attempts to restart the engines were unsuccessful.

Britannica QuizDisasters of Historic Proportion

Sullenberger notified LaGuardia’s air control that he was returning to the airport. However, as the plane continued to descend in a glide, Sullenberger believed that it would be unable to reach LaGuardia. An airport in New Jersey was also quickly ruled out. Shortly thereafter he notified air control that he was going to attempt a very risky and rare water landing, in the Hudson River. At approximately 3:29 pm, Sullenberger announced over the intercom “This is the captain. Brace for impact.”

Some 3 1/2 minutes after colliding with the birds, the plane landed in the river. The fuselage’s aft end made first contact, and that section suffered severe damage, notably a rupture that allowed water to enter the aircraft. However, the plane remained buoyant, thanks in part to the fuel tanks, which were not full. Passengers and crew then exited the plane via the forward slide/rafts and walked onto the wings or entered inflatable rafts. Local ferries and emergency responders were on the scene within minutes. A number of the passengers were treated for hypothermia, but only five people suffered more serious injuries. Notably a flight attendant was cut on the leg during the landing and required surgery.

While Sullenberger became a national hero to many, some were critical of his decision to land in the Hudson River. However, a lengthy investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that his decision to ditch in the Hudson had been appropriate. Within days of the emergency landing, the aircraft was removed from the river, and in 2011 it was put on display at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte. The incident was the subject of the Clint Eastwood drama Sully (2016), with Tom Hanks in the title role.

Amy Tikkanen

US Airways flight 1549 | Description, Pilot, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

US Airways flight 1549 | Description, Pilot, & Facts? ›

Given their position in relation to the available airports and their low altitude, pilots Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles decided to glide the plane to ditching on the Hudson River near Midtown Manhattan. All 155 people on board were rescued by nearby boats.

Who was the pilot who landed Flight 1549? ›

In 2009, pilots Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles of US Airways Flight 1549 were forced to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. While many were injured, all 155 people aboard survived. The incident was dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson" by then-New York Governor David Paterson.

What happened to the real pilot Sully? ›

After serving in the Air Force, in February 1980 he became an airline pilot with Pacific Southwest Airlines, later acquired by US Airways, until his retirement from commercial flying in March 2010. He still flies privately. Sullenberger was an active and ardent safety advocate throughout his four-decade-long career.

Who were the pilots in Sully? ›

Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles masterfully guided the powerless aircraft to an emergency “landing” on the Hudson River. Flight attendants Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, and Sheila Dail quickly and safely evacuated all 150 passengers.

Why didn t the plane sink in Sully? ›

However, the plane remained buoyant, thanks in part to the fuel tanks, which were not full.

Who opened the door on Flight 1549? ›

Board member Robert Sumwalt, who will chair the hearing, said Campbell has told NTSB investigators that it was flight attendant Doreen Welsh who cracked open the door, not a passenger.

Was the pilot of the US Airways Flight 1549 a hero? ›

As pilot in command of the US Airways Flight 1549 that was dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson," Captain Sullenberger has been hailed as a national hero for his quick thinking and outstanding aviation skills that saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew on January 15, 2009.

Did Sully ever fly again after the crash? ›

In 2010, Sullenberger retired after 30 years with US Airways and its predecessor. His final flight was US Airways Flight 1167 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he reunited with Skiles and a half dozen of the passengers on Flight 1549.

What did Sully go to jail for? ›

Sully, Dushane and Dris are later arrested for Kamale's murder but released on bail. Sully and Mike are offered a contract killing Sully's cousin, Jermaine. They kidnap Jermaine intead, which this angers Jermaine's brother, Rafe.

Is Sully Sullenberger married? ›

Sully Sullenberger's Post. 35 years of marriage! Where has the time gone? 38 years ago I met you when we both worked for PSA.

Did Sully save everyone on the plane? ›

The story of Flight 1549 resonates globally, symbolizing not just the awe-inspiring actions of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles but also the remarkable team effort that followed. Their decisive actions in safely ditching the plane on the Hudson River saved all 155 people onboard.

Where did Sully go to college? ›

January 15, 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson” crash landing, piloted by Purdue alumnus Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. Purdue University Psychological Sciences Professor Ernest J. McCormick, an internationally-known legend in human factors, was the academic advisor for Chesley B.

Could Sullenberger have made it to an airport? ›

Flight simulations showed that the airplane could have returned to LaGuardia, had it turned toward the airport immediately after the bird strike.

Did the passengers on Sully flight get compensation? ›

US Airways sent $5,000 checks over the weekend to each of the 150 passengers to help compensate for items left behind, with a letter explaining that their luggage and other belongings might have to stay with investigators for months. The airline also reimbursed passengers for their ticket costs.

What happened to the flight attendants leg in Sully? ›

She had a severe laceration in her leg where a metal bar had pushed through the cabin floor upwards into the cabin.

Why did Sully start the APU? ›

After realizing that his propulsion engines had been fatally damaged by a bird strike, Sullenberger had the foresight and training to fire up the little jet engine that could – Honeywell's 131-9A auxiliary power unit.

Was there a baby on Flight 1549? ›

Pilot Chesley Sullenberger, whose 60 Minutes interview with other Flight 1549 crew members started off the week, is on the cover of People magazine (on newsstands tomorrow) with the youngest passenger of the flight, 10-month-old Damien Sosa.

How deep is the Hudson River where Sully landed? ›

The Hudson River is about 50 feet deep, or about 15 meters, where the plane landed. The plane actually did both of those things, plus a bonus third thing! It floated for a while, then it sank, and then it rested on the river bed.

Is Sully's plane in a museum? ›

We traveled to the Carolina's Aviation Museum to see Sully's plane, which was spectacular and worth the trip by itself. However, we were pleasantly surprised at the other offerings in the museum and ended up spending several hours exploring the exhibits. It was a very enjoyable experience!

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