{{short description|2009 aviation accident in New York}} {{redirect2|2009 Hudson River plane crash|Miracle on the Hudson|the mid-air collision that occurred in August that year|2009 Hudson River mid-air collision|the 2016 American biographical drama film|Sully (film){{!}}''Sully: Miracle on the Hudson''}} {{use mdy dates|date=January 2024}} {{use American English|date=July 2016}} {{Infobox aircraft occurrence | name = US Airways Flight 1549 | image = US Airways Flight 1549 (N106US) after crashing into the Hudson River (crop 2).jpg{{!}}border | caption = Evacuation of the aircraft as it floats on the Hudson River | date = January 15, 2009 | summary = Ditched following bird strike and dual-engine failure | occurrence_type = Accident | site = Hudson River, New York City, New York, United States | coordinates = {{Coord|40.7695|N|74.0046|W|region:US-NY_type:event|display=inline,title}} | occupants = 155 | passengers = 150 | crew = 5 | injuries = 100 | fatalities = 0 | survivors = 155 | plane1_image = 2008 Las Vegas N106US US Airways.jpg | plane1_caption = N106US, the aircraft involved in the accident, seen in 2008 | aircraft_type = Airbus A320-214 | tail_number = N106US | operator = US Airways | callsign = CACTUS 1549 | IATA = US1549 | ICAO = AWE1549 | origin = LaGuardia Airport, New York City, United States | stopover = Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina | destination = Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle }} '''US Airways Flight 1549''' was a regularly scheduled US Airways flight from New York City's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte and Seattle, in the United States, that ditched onto the Hudson River shortly after takeoff on January 15, 2009,<!-- The second comma is grammatically correct; don't remove --> due to a double engine failure caused by a bird strike. The Airbus A320 operating the flight, registered N106US, struck a flock of Canada geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia, resulting in a dual engine failure. Given their position in relation to the available airports and their low altitude, pilots Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles decided to glide the aircraft into a water landing on the Hudson River near Midtown Manhattan, doing so without significant damage to the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/why-the-miracle-on-the-hudson-in-the-new-movie-sully-was-no-crash-landing-64748|title=Why the 'Miracle on the Hudson' in the new movie Sully was no crash landing|first1=Eryn|last1=Grant|first2=Nicholas|last2=Stevens|first3=Paul|last3=Salmon|website=The Conversation|date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=December 16, 2018|archive-date=December 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217110535/http://theconversation.com/why-the-miracle-on-the-hudson-in-the-new-movie-sully-was-no-crash-landing-64748|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/15/us-airways-plane-crash-new-york-hudson-river|title=Plane crashes in Hudson river in New York|first=Andrew|last=Clark|newspaper=The Guardian|date=January 15, 2009|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029203946/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/15/us-airways-plane-crash-new-york-hudson-river|url-status=live}}</ref> All 155 people on board survived and were rescued by nearby boats, although 100 people were injured, 5 seriously. The time from the bird strike to the ditching was less than four minutes.
The then-Governor of New York State, David Paterson, called the incident a "'''Miracle on the Hudson'''"<ref>{{cite press release |title=US Airways Flight 1549 Initial Report |publisher=US Airways |date=January 15, 2009 |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196799&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1245239 |access-date=February 9, 2009 |archive-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504023514/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196799&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1245239 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=US Airways Flight 1549 Update # 2 |publisher=US Airways |date=January 15, 2009 |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196799&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1245262 |access-date=February 9, 2009 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903233047/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=196799&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1245262 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) official described it as "the most successful ditching in aviation history".<ref name=NewYorkPost>{{cite news |first1=Jeremy |last1=Olshan |first2=Ikumulisa |last2=Livingston |title=Quiet Air Hero Is Captain America |url=https://nypost.com/2009/01/17/quiet-air-hero-is-captain-america/ |newspaper=New York Post |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2026}}</ref> Flight simulations showed that the aircraft could have returned to LaGuardia, had it turned toward the airport immediately after the bird strike.<ref name="WiredCBS2010" /> However, the NTSB found that the scenario did not account for real-world considerations, and affirmed the ditching as providing the highest probability of survival, given the circumstances.<ref name="NTSBMay2010" />{{Reference page|page=89}} The pilots and flight attendants were awarded the Master's Medal of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators in recognition of their "heroic and unique aviation achievement".<ref name=Masters />
== Background == The aircraft in question, N106US, was an Airbus A320-214 built in 1999 in Toulouse, France for US Airways.{{cn|date=August 2025}} Its first flight was on June 15, 1999, and was delivered to US Airways one month later. It was powered by two CFM International CFM56-5B4/P turbofan engines.<ref name="reutersFACT">{{cite news |date=January 18, 2009 |title=Factbox – Downed US Airways plane had 16,000 take-offs |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN1630443720090116 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218224400/http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKN1630443720090116 |archive-date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |work=Reuters |agency=Thomson Reuters}}</ref>{{efn|The aircraft, registered as N106US, was manufactured in 1999.<ref name=FAAreg>{{cite web |url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N106US |title=N-Number Inquiry Results |access-date=February 12, 2009 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229092622/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N106US |url-status=dead }}</ref> The aircraft was delivered to US Airways in August 1999. At the time of the accident, its airframe had logged 16,299 flights totaling 25,241 flight hours; and the engines 19,182 and 26,466 hours. The last "A Check" (performed every 550 flight hours) was passed on December 6, 2008, and the last C Check (annual comprehensive inspection) on April 19, 2008.<ref name=reutersFACT /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090116005661/en/Airways-Flight-1549-Update-7 |title=US Airways Flight 1549 Update #7 |website=US Airways |date=January 16, 2009 |via=Business Wire |access-date=June 11, 2009 |archive-date=October 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007220826/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090116005661/en/Airways-Flight-1549-Update-7 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{par break}}}}
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549{{efn|AWE1549, also designated under a Star Alliance codeshare agreement as ''United Airlines Flight 1919'' (UA1919).}} with call sign "CACTUS 1549" was scheduled to fly from New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), with a planned intermediate stop at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{Cn|date=November 2025}}
The pilot in command was 57-year-old Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, a former fighter pilot who had been an airline pilot since leaving the United States Air Force in 1980. At the time, he had logged 19,663 total flight hours, including 4,765 in an A320; he was also a glider pilot and expert on aviation safety.<ref name=post16>{{cite news |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/01152009/news/regionalnews/passengers_seen_standing_on_wings_of_pla_150311.htm |first=Dan |last=Mangan |title=Hero Pilots Disabled Plane to Safety |newspaper=New York Post |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417033925/http://www.nypost.com/seven/01152009/news/regionalnews/passengers_seen_standing_on_wings_of_pla_150311.htm |archive-date=April 17, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Russell |last=Goldman |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6658493&page=1 |website=ABC News |title=US Airways Hero Pilot Searched Plane Twice Before Leaving |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116180301/https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6658493&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first1=Amy |last1=Westfeldt |first2=Colleen |last2=Long |first3=Susan |last3=James |url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1872193,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119141329/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1872193,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 19, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |magazine=TIME |title=Hudson River Hero Is Ex-Air Force Fighter Pilot |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 }}</ref> The second in command (co-pilot) was 49-year-old First Officer Jeffrey Skiles,<ref name=post16 /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.counton2.com/cbd/news/national/article/family_of_copilot_from_hudson_river_plane_crash_speaks/19356/ |title=Family of copilot from Hudson River plane crash speaks |website=WCBD-TV |location=Charleston, South Carolina |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722030447/http://www2.counton2.com/news/2009/jan/16/family_of_copilot_from_hudson_river_plane_crash_sp-ar-547462/ |archive-date=July 22, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Stacy |last=Forster |url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/37719984.html |title=Co-pilot braved frigid waters to retrieve vests for passengers |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-date=February 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206151436/http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/37719984.html |url-status=live }}</ref> who had accrued 15,643 career flight hours, including 37 in an A320,<ref name="NTSBMay2010" />{{Reference page|page=8}} but this was his first assignment as pilot flying in an A320.<ref name=First>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/Sullys-Tale.html |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20140511025253/http://www.airspacemag.com/as-interview/aamps-interview-sullys-tale-53584029/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2014 |title=Sully's Tale |first=Linda |last=Shiner |date=February 18, 2009 |magazine=Air & Space |access-date=February 23, 2009 }}</ref> There were 150 passengers and 3 flight attendants—Sheila Dail, Donna Dent and Doreen Welsh<!--named as they received awards/honors-->—on board.<ref name="passengers">{{cite press release |title=US Airways Flight 1549 Update # 3 |date=January 15, 2009 |publisher=US Airways |url=http://www.usairways.com/awa/news/pressRelease.aspx?Id=15 |access-date=January 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119075411/http://usairways.com/awa/news/pressRelease.aspx?Id=15 |archive-date=January 19, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://usairways.com/awa/Content/en-US/information/home.html |title=US Airways flight 1549 Airline releases crew information |website=US Airways |date=January 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119075337/http://usairways.com/awa/Content/en-US/information/home.html |archive-date=January 19, 2009 |access-date=May 30, 2014}}</ref>
== Accident ==
=== Takeoff and bird strike === {{Listen | header = | filename = Flight 1549 FAA New York TRACON audio extract.ogg | title = New York TRACON audio | description = Air traffic control audio from about time of bird strike until ditching | summary = sound | pos = left }} The flight was cleared for takeoff to the northeast from LaGuardia's Runway 4 at 15:24:56 Eastern Standard Time (20:24:56 UTC). With Skiles in control, the crew made its first report after becoming airborne at 15:25:51 as being at {{convert|700|ft|m}} and climbing.<ref name=FlightAware>{{cite web |title=US Airways #1549 |url=http://flightaware.com/live/flight/USA1549/history/20090115/2004Z/KLGA/KCLT |website=FlightAware |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=January 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090524052840/http://flightaware.com/live/flight/USA1549/history/20090115/2004Z/KLGA/KCLT |archive-date=May 24, 2009}}</ref>
The weather at 14:51 was {{convert|10|mi}} visibility with broken clouds at {{convert|3,700|ft}}, wind {{convert|8|knots|mph km/h|0}} from 290°; an hour later it was few clouds at {{convert|4,200|ft}}, wind {{convert|9|knots|mph km/h}} from 310°.<ref name=NTSBMay2010 />{{Reference page|page=24}} At 15:26:37, Sullenberger remarked to Skiles, "What a view of the Hudson today."<ref name=NTSB20090115>{{cite web |title=NTSB Report US Airways Flight 1549 Water Landing Hudson River January 15, 2009 |url=http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/documents-for-the-testimony-of-us-airways-flight-1549/original.pdf |website=The New York Times |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=September 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928165525/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/documents-for-the-testimony-of-us-airways-flight-1549/original.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Aerial view of the Bronx, Harlem River, Harlem, Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, 2008-05-10.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|The Hudson River from above the Bronx, with Manhattan in the diagonal center and New Jersey in the distance. The George Washington Bridge is at right, Central Park Reservoir at upper left, and Teterboro Airport at the right center within the elbow of the Overpeck Creek.]] thumb|upright=1.6|Flight path flown (red). Alternative trajectories to Teterboro (dark blue) and back toward La Guardia (magenta) were simulated for the investigation.|alt=The aircraft headed approximately north after takeoff, then wheeled anti-clockwise to follow the Hudson southwards. At 15:27:11, during climbout, the plane struck a flock of Canada geese at an altitude of {{convert|2818|ft|m}} about {{convert|4.5|miles}} north-northwest of LaGuardia. The pilots' view was filled with the large birds;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/01/us_airways_flight_1549_lifted.html |title=US Airways Flight 1549 lifted out of river; flight recorders head to D.C. |website=NJ.com |agency=Associated Press |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930023949/http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/01/us_airways_flight_1549_lifted.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/USAirwaysFlight1549Crew_SawBirdsFillWindshield_199597-1.html |title=Flight 1549 Crew: Birds Filled Windshield |website=AVweb |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=September 28, 2015 |archive-date=September 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929102859/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/USAirwaysFlight1549Crew_SawBirdsFillWindshield_199597-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> passengers and crew heard very loud bangs and saw flames from the engines, followed by silence and an odor of fuel.<ref name="New York Times18">{{cite news |first1=Matthew L. |last1=Wald |first2=Al |last2=Baker |title=Dramatic details released on U.S. plane crash |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/world/americas/18iht-plane.1.19455489.html |newspaper=The New York Times |page=A29 |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505132149/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/world/americas/18iht-plane.1.19455489.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Trotta |first1=Daniel |last2=Crawley |first2=John |date=January 15, 2009 |title=New York hails pilot who landed jetliner on river |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE50E8AI20090116?sp=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120134618/http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE50E8AI20090116?sp=true |archive-date=January 20, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |work=Reuters |agency=Thomson Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/engine_prop/media/engine_malf_report.doc |title=Turbofan Engine Malfunction Recognition and Response Final Report |format=DOC |website=Federal Aviation Administration |date=July 17, 2001 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220224721/https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/engine_prop/media/engine_malf_report.doc |url-status=live }}</ref>
Realizing that both engines had shut down, Sullenberger took control while Skiles worked the checklist for engine restart.<!--somewhere we should explain that engine restart failed, and tie that in with APU and RAT; some explanation of glide ratio etc. might be useful too, but not necessarily during the main narrative; in fact, it might be great to have a separate section that dissects, in detail, the sequence of decisions Sullenberger had to make over the critical minute-->{{efn|The engines are the primary source of electrical and hydraulic power for the aircraft flight control systems,<ref name=WSJ20Jan09Pasztor>{{cite news |first1=Andy |last1=Pasztor |first2=Susan |last2=Carey |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123241485664396363 |title=Backup System Helped Pilot Control Jet |access-date=February 12, 2009 |date=January 20, 2009 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |archive-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217224543/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123241485664396363 |url-status=live }}</ref> but an auxiliary power unit (APU) can provide backup electrical power, and a ram air turbine (RAT) can be deployed into the airstream to provide backup hydraulic pressure and electrical power at certain speeds.<ref name=WSJ20Jan09Pasztor /> Both the APU and RAT were operating as the plane descended onto the river.<ref name=WSJ20Jan09Pasztor />}}<ref name=NTSBMay2010 /> The aircraft slowed but continued to climb for a further 19 seconds, reaching about {{convert|3,060|ft|m}} at an airspeed of about {{convert|185|kn|mph km/h}}, then began a glide descent, accelerating to {{convert|210|kn|mph km/h}} at 15:28:10 as it descended through {{convert|1,650|ft|m}}.<ref name="NTSBMay2010" />{{Reference page|page=47}}
At 15:27:33, Sullenberger radioed a mayday call to New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON):<ref name="NYT FAA tapes">{{cite news |last=Wald |first=Matthew L. |date=February 5, 2009 |title=Was Flight 1549's Pilot Fearful? If So, His Voice Didn't Let On |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/nyregion/06crash.html?em |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812023511/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/nyregion/06crash.html?em |archive-date=August 12, 2017 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=TRACON>{{cite news |first=Michael J. |last=Sniffen |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/16/national/w110551S61.DTL |title=Pilot rejected 2 airport landings |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117040946/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F16%2Fnational%2Fw110551S61.DTL |archive-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "[...]{{nbs}}this is Cactus fifteen <!--do not "correct", article text here should read fifteen thirty nine-->thirty<!--do not "correct", article text here should read fifteen thirty nine--> nine {{sic}}{{efn|Captain Sullenberger inadvertently spoke the wrong call sign here, the correct flight number having been 1549.}}{{mdash}}{{tsp}}[we've] hit birds. We've lost thrust on both engines. We're turning back towards LaGuardia".<ref name=NTSB20090115 /> Air traffic controller Patrick Harten<ref>{{cite news |first1=Joan |last1=Lowy |last2=Sniffen |first2=Michael J. |title=Controller Thought Plane That Ditched Was Doomed |url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6944354 |website=ABC News |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=February 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226211200/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6944354 |archive-date=February 26, 2009}}</ref> told LaGuardia's tower to hold all departures, and directed Sullenberger back to Runway 13. Sullenberger responded, "Unable".<ref name=TRACON />
Sullenberger asked controllers for landing options in New Jersey, mentioning Teterboro Airport.<ref name=TRACON /><ref name=ditch1 /><ref name=transcript>{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-01-15/media/Full_Transcript_L116.pdf |title=Memorandum: Full Transcript: Aircraft Accident, AWE1549, New York City, NY, January 15, 2009 |website=Federal Aviation Administration |page=4 |date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030203723/https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-01-15/media/Full_Transcript_L116.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Permission was given for Teterboro's Runway 1,<ref name=transcript /> Sullenberger initially responded, "Yes", but then replied, "We can't do it{{nbs}}[...] we're gonna be in the Hudson."<ref name=ditch1 /> The aircraft passed less than {{convert|900|ft|m|}} above the George Washington Bridge. Sullenberger commanded over the cabin address system to "brace for impact"<ref name=CNN1>{{cite news |first1=Mike |last1=Brooks |first2=Jeanne |last2=Meserve |first3=Mike |last3=Ahlers |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/15/new.york.plane.crash/index.html |title=Airplane crash-lands into Hudson River; all aboard reported safe |website=CNN |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212205106/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/15/new.york.plane.crash/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the flight attendants relayed the command to passengers.<ref name=latimes>{{cite news |first1=Richard |last1=Fausset |first2=Michael |last2=Muskal |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-plane17-2009jan17,0,1268296.story |title=US Airways investigation focuses on missing engines |date=January 16, 2009 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118210113/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-plane17-2009jan17%2C0%2C1268296.story |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Meanwhile, air traffic controllers asked the Coast Guard to caution vessels in the Hudson and ask them to prepare to help with the rescue.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVCeQ89BB_o |title=US Airways 1549 – Complete Air Traffic Control |date=February 12, 2009 |medium=Audio |publisher=AppleDualG5 |time=00:03:26 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/yVCeQ89BB_o |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
=== Ditching and evacuation === About ninety seconds later, at 15:30, the plane made an unpowered ditching, descending southwards at about {{convert|125|kn|mph km/h|sigfig=2}} into the middle of the North River section of the Hudson tidal estuary, at {{coord|40.769444|-74.004444|type:_region:}}<ref>{{cite news |first=Ken |last=Belson |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/plane-crashes-into-hudson-river/?apage=9 |title=Updates From Plane Rescue in Hudson River |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321021101/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/plane-crashes-into-hudson-river/?apage=9 |url-status=live }}</ref> on the New York side of the state line, roughly opposite West 50th Street (near the ''Intrepid'' Museum) in Midtown Manhattan and Port Imperial in Weehawken, New Jersey.{{Cn|date=November 2025}}
According to FDR data, the plane impacted the river at a calibrated airspeed of {{convert|125|kn|mph km/h|sigfig=2}} with a 9.5° pitch angle, flight path angle of −3.4°, angle of attack between 13° and 14°, and a descent rate of {{convert|750|ft/min|m/s}}.<ref name="NTSBMay2010" />{{Reference page|page=48}} Flight attendants compared the ditching to a "hard landing" with "one impact, no bounce, then a gradual deceleration".<ref name="ditch1" /> The ebb tide then began to take the plane southward.<ref>{{cite news|last=McFadden|first=Robert D.|date=January 15, 2009|title=Pilot Is Hailed After Jetliner's Icy Plunge|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16crash.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink|access-date=February 12, 2009|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424230259/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16crash.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink|url-status=live}}</ref>
Sullenberger opened the cockpit door and gave the order to evacuate. The crew began evacuating the passengers through the four overwing window exits and into an inflatable slide raft deployed from the front right passenger door (the front left slide failed to operate, so the manual inflation handle was pulled). The evacuation was made more difficult by the fact that someone opened the rear left door, allowing more water to enter the plane; whether this was a flight attendant<ref name="60 Minutes">{{cite episode |title=Hero pilot, Plane, Coldplay |series=60 Minutes|credits=Presenters: Katie Couric, Steve Kroft |network=CBS |station=KCBS-TV |location=Los Angeles |airdate=February 8, 2009 |season=40}}</ref> or a passenger is disputed.<ref name="NTSBMay2010" />{{Reference page|page=41}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 7, 2009 |title=Panel to examine who opened door of plane in Hudson River |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/panel-to-examine-who-opened-door-of-plane-in-hudson-river/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309201825/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/panel-to-examine-who-opened-door-of-plane-in-hudson-river/ |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=August 23, 2020 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Chung |first=Jen |date=June 6, 2009 |title=Flight 1549 Passengers Challenge Flight Attendant's Story |url=https://gothamist.com/news/flight-1549-passengers-challenge-flight-attendants-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213044302/https://gothamist.com/news/flight-1549-passengers-challenge-flight-attendants-story |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |access-date=August 23, 2020 |website=Gothamist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lowy|first=Joan|date=June 6, 2009|title=Passenger in crash landing challenges account|work=Boston.com|url=https://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/06/06/passenger_on_hudson_flight_to_challenge_flight_attendants_account/|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105060853/http://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/06/06/passenger_on_hudson_flight_to_challenge_flight_attendants_account/|url-status=live}}</ref> Water was also entering through a hole in the fuselage and through cargo doors that had come open,<ref>{{cite news |first=Scott |last=McCartney |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/03/25/sully-dont-hang-up/ |title=It's Sully, Don't Hang Up |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=April 3, 2009 |archive-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329165609/http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/03/25/sully-dont-hang-up/ |url-status=live }}</ref> so as the water rose the attendant urged passengers to move forward by climbing over seats.{{efn|The Airbus A320 has a control that closes valves and other openings in the fuselage, in order to slow flooding after a water landing,<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Jon |last=Ostrower |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/2009/01/the-airbus-ditching-button.html |title=The Airbus Ditching Button |access-date=February 12, 2009 |date=January 17, 2009 |magazine=Flight International |publisher=Reed Business Information |archive-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212084923/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/2009/01/the-airbus-ditching-button.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but the pilots did not activate it.<ref name=ditch1>{{cite news |first1=Larry |last1=Neumeister |first2=David B. |last2=Caruso |first3=Adam |last3=Goldman |first4=Colleen |last4=Long |url=http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Jan17/0,4675,PlaneSplashdown,00.html |title=NTSB: Pilot landed in Hudson to avoid catastrophe |agency=Associated Press |website=Fox News |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |quote=It all happened so fast, the crew never threw the aircraft's 'ditch switch,' which seals off vents and holes in the fuselage to make it more seaworthy. |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531123941/http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Jan17/0,4675,PlaneSplashdown,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sullenberger later said this would have made little difference since the water impact tore substantial holes in the fuselage.<ref name=First />}} One passenger was a wheelchair user.<ref>{{cite report |last=Petri |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Petri |date=February 11, 2009 |title=Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-111hhrg47411/pdf/CHRG-111hhrg47411.pdf |publisher=U.S. House of Representatives |page=69 |access-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202125300/http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-111hhrg47411/pdf/CHRG-111hhrg47411.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rockoff |first1=Jonathan D. |last2=Holmes |first2=Elisabeth |title=Pilot Lands Jet on Hudson, Saving All Aboard |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB123205240502786899 |access-date=January 31, 2014 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=January 16, 2009 |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219034747/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB123205240502786899 |url-status=live }}</ref> Finally, Sullenberger walked the cabin twice to confirm it was empty.<ref name=worldneeded1>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227063237/http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/-The-world-needed-a.4886638.jp|archive-date=February 27, 2009|first=Martin |last=McLaughlin |url=http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/-The-world-needed-a.4886638.jp |title=The world needed a hero. The pilot of the Hudson River air crash answered the call |newspaper=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Press|location=Edinburgh |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Michael |last1=Wilson |first2=Russ |last2=Buettner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17flight.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print |title=After Splash, Nerves, Heroics and Comedy |newspaper=The New York Times |page=A1 |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913235918/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17flight.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Scott |last1=Curkin |first2=Bob |last2=Monek |url=https://abc7ny.com/archive/6606410/ |title=Miracle on the Hudson River |website=WABC-TV |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=January 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120210844/http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6606410 |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- See Talk Page re walking cabin twice when partially submerged -->
The air and water temperatures were about {{convert|-7|C|F|order=flip}} and {{convert|5|C|F|order=flip}}, respectively.<!--source says 5.2C but this is overprecise for this context--><ref name=NTSBMay2010 />{{Reference page|page=24}} Some evacuees waited for rescue knee-deep in water on the partially submerged slides, with some wearing life vests. Others stood on the wings or, fearing an explosion, swam away from the plane.<ref name="60 Minutes" /> One passenger, after helping with the evacuation, found the wing so crowded that he jumped into the river and swam to a boat.<ref name=ditch1 /><ref name=UCReporter2.2.14>{{cite news |url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/24451309/article-Hero-on-the-Hudson--Five-years-later---miracle--survivor-describes-his-experience-for-local-audience--%257C |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303033356/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/24451309/article-Hero-on-the-Hudson--Five-years-later---miracle--survivor-describes-his-experience-for-local-audience--|url-status=dead |archive-date=March 3, 2018 |title=Hero on the Hudson: Five years later 'miracle' survivor describes his experience for local audience |first=Art |last=Schwartz |newspaper=The Hudson Reporter |access-date=May 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/science-aids-hudson-rescue-workers |title=Science Aids Hudson Rescue Workers |date=February 2009 |website=U.S. Department of Homeland Security |access-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-date=June 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615072645/http://www.dhs.gov/science-aids-hudson-rescue-workers |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Rescue === <gallery> File:Flight1549CrashAndRescue.ogg |thumbtime=0:50 |Coast Guard video of the water landing, and rescue File:Plane and ferry in the Hudson 2.jpg| First NY Waterway ferry arrives at the crash site File:US Air Flight 1549 rescue efforts.jpg| Rescue efforts and the Coast Guard, as well as Flight 1549 halfway sinking File:US Airways Flight 1549 in Hudson cropped.JPG | Boats surround the tail of the sunken plane, visible just above the water line </gallery> Two NY Waterway ferries arrived within minutes<ref>{{cite news |first=Ashley |last=Kindergan |url=http://www.northjersey.com/breakingnews/ferrycaptain011609.html |title=Young captain reacts like 'seasoned pro' |work=NorthJersey.com |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-date=August 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828073750/http://www.northjersey.com/breakingnews/ferrycaptain011609.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Pyle |url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/01/18/commuter_ferries_to_rescue_in_nyc_crash_landing/ |title=Commuter ferries to rescue in NYC crash landing |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603163333/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/us_news/2009/Jan/18/commuter_ferries_to_rescue_in_nyc_crash_landing.html |archive-date=June 3, 2013 }}</ref> and began taking people aboard using a Jason's cradle;<ref name=CNN1 /> numerous other boats, including from the U.S. Coast Guard, were quickly on scene as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Workboats to the rescue|url=https://www.workboat.com/viewpoints/workboats-to-the-rescue|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=www.workboat.com|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112200419/https://www.workboat.com/viewpoints/workboats-to-the-rescue|url-status=live}}</ref> Sullenberger advised the ferry crews to rescue those on the wings first, as they were in more jeopardy than those on the slides, which detached to become life rafts.<ref name=CNN1 />{{Failed verification|date=June 2023}} The last person was taken from the plane at 15:55.<ref name=times-20100107 />
About 140 New York City firefighters responded to nearby docks,<ref name=armada /><ref>{{cite journal |first=A. J. |last=Heightman |title=Airplane Crash Showcases Emergency Readiness |url=http://www.jems.com/article/leadership-professionalism/airplane-crash-showcases-emerg |journal=Journal of Emergency Medical Services |publisher=Elsevier |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222030154/http://www.jems.com/article/leadership-professionalism/airplane-crash-showcases-emerg |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Michael |last1=Wilson |first2=Al |last2=Baker |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16rescue.html?hp |title=A Quick Rescue Kept Death Toll at Zero |access-date=February 12, 2009 |date=January 15, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115234529/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16rescue.html?hp |url-status=live }}</ref> as did police, helicopters, and various vessels and divers.<ref name=armada>{{cite news |first1=Karla |last1=Schuster |first2=Bill |last2=Bleyer |first3=Sophia |last3=Chang |first4=Anthony M. |last4=DeStefano |first5=Chau |last5=Lam |first6=Bill |last6=Mason |first7=Carl |last7=McGowan |first8=Rocco |last8=Parascandola |first9=Andrew |last9=Strickler |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/ny-liresc166000570jan16,0,7858301.story |title=Commuter ferries, passengers aid in crash victim rescues |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2009 |via=Uniformed Firefighters Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222153246/http://www.ufanyc.org/cms/contents/view/5942 |archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref> Other agencies provided medical help on the Weehawken side of the river, where most passengers were taken.<ref name=rescurebeacon>{{cite news |last=Applebome |first=Peter |title=A Small Town's Recurring Role as a Rescue Beacon |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 18, 2009 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/18towns.html?scp=3&sq=Weehawken%20Ferry&st=cse |access-date=November 28, 2010 |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008075953/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/18towns.html?scp=3&sq=Weehawken%20Ferry&st=cse |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Aftermath == [[File:Flight1549BatteryPark2 crop.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left|The partially submerged aircraft tied up alongside Battery Park City]]
Passengers and crew sustained 95 minor and five serious injuries,{{efn|A serious injury is defined as any injury that (1) requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, starting within seven days from the date that the injury was received; (2) results in a fracture of any bone, except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or the nose; (3) causes severe hemorrhages or nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4) involves any internal organ; or (5) involves second- or third-degree burns or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface. A minor injury is defined as any injury that does not qualify as a fatal or serious injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title49-vol7/xml/CFR-2011-title49-vol7-sec830-2.xml |title=49 CFR 830.2 |website=Code of Federal Regulations |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924003211/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title49-vol7/xml/CFR-2011-title49-vol7-sec830-2.xml |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<ref name=NTSBMay2010 />{{Reference page|page=6}} including a deep laceration on flight attendant Welsh's leg.<ref name=ditch1 /><ref name=Welsh_injury>{{cite web |url=http://www.famri.org/Documents/USAirways_Flight_1549.doc |title=A Testament to Experienced Airline Flight Personnel Doing Their Jobs |website=Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute (FAMRI) |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924010242/http://www.famri.org/Documents/USAirways_Flight_1549.doc |url-status=dead }}</ref> 78 people received medical treatment, mostly for minor injuries<ref name=BBC2 /> and hypothermia;<ref>{{cite news |first1=Robert |last1=Smith |first2=Melissa |last2=Block |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99433923&ft=1&f=1003 |title=Passengers Treated For Hypothermia |access-date=January 15, 2009 |date=February 12, 2009 |series=All Things Considered |website=National Public Radio |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122154239/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99433923&ft=1&f=1003 |url-status=live }}</ref> 24 passengers and two rescuers were treated at hospitals,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20090115X73226&key=1 |title=DCA09MA026 |website=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=March 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221164518/http://ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20090115X73226&key=1 |archive-date=February 21, 2009}}</ref> with two passengers kept overnight. Eye damage from jet fuel caused one passenger to need glasses.<ref name=UCReporter2.2.14 /> No animals were being carried on the flight.<ref name="odd sight">{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Feuer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17scene.html |title=Odd Sight, Well Worth a Walk in the Cold |access-date=February 12, 2009 |date=January 16, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607222001/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17scene.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Each passenger later received a letter of apology, $5,000 in compensation for lost baggage (and $5,000 more if they could demonstrate larger losses), and a refund of their ticket price.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/nyregion/20plane.html |title=$5,000 to Each Passenger on Crashed Jet for Lost Bags |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 21, 2009 |access-date=March 6, 2009 |first=Kareem |last=Fahim |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203182956/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/nyregion/20plane.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/business/12aig.html |title=A.I.G. Balks at Claims From Jet Ditching in Hudson |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 11, 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2009 |archive-date=July 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729141702/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/business/12aig.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2009, they received any belongings that had been recovered. Passengers also reported offers of $10,000 each in return for agreeing not to sue US Airways.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/nyregion/18luggage.html |title=Passengers, Here Are Your Bags |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 18, 2009 |first=Patrick |last=McGeehan |access-date=May 27, 2010 |archive-date=June 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611222907/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/nyregion/18luggage.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|upright=1|The plane being recovered from the river during the night of January 17
Many passengers and rescuers later experienced post-traumatic stress symptoms such as sleeplessness, flashbacks, and panic attacks; some began an email support group.<ref name=People>{{cite magazine |first1=Bill |last1=Hewitt |first2=Nicole Weisenssee |last2=Egan |first3=Diane |last3=Herbst |first4=Tiffany |last4=McGee |first5=Shermakaye |last5=Bass |title=Flight 1549: The Right Stuff |magazine=People |date=February 23, 2009 |pages=60–66}}</ref> Patrick Harten, the controller who had worked the flight, said that "the hardest, most traumatic part of the entire event was when it was over", and that he was "gripped by raw moments of shock and grief".<ref>{{cite news |first=Liz |last=Robbins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/nyregion/25crash.html?bl&ex=1235624400&en=d91c9404f8aa4341&ei=5087%0A |title=Air Traffic Controller Tells Gripping Tale of Hudson Landing |access-date=March 7, 2009 |date=February 24, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=December 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213121415/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/nyregion/25crash.html?bl&ex=1235624400&en=d91c9404f8aa4341&ei=5087%0A |url-status=live }}</ref>
A few months after the crash, Captain Sullenberger, while being interviewed by ''AARP: The Magazine'', was asked how he was able to execute a nearly perfect water landing. He replied, "One way of looking at this might be that for 42 years, I've been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education and training. And on January 15, the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal."<ref name=Newcott_AARP2009>{{cite journal|first=Bill |last=Newcott|title=Wisdom of the Elders |journal=AARP: The Magazine |volume=347|date=May–June 2009 |issue=6226 |page=52|bibcode=2015Sci...347.1110V}}</ref>
In an effort to prevent similar accidents, officials captured and exterminated 1,235 Canada geese at 17 locations across New York City in mid-2009 and coated 1,739 goose eggs with oil to smother the developing goslings.<ref name=Akam>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/nyregion/03geese.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss |title=For Culprits in Miracle on Hudson, the Flip Side of Glory |first=Simon |last=Akam |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107081628/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/nyregion/03geese.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2017, 70,000 birds had been intentionally killed in New York City through programs instituted after the ditching.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/14/new-york-birds-killed-airport-miracle-on-hudson-sully|title=Nearly 70,000 birds killed in New York in attempt to clear safer path for planes|date=January 14, 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 23, 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=January 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117002003/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/14/new-york-birds-killed-airport-miracle-on-hudson-sully|url-status=live}}</ref>
N106US, the accident aircraft, was purchased by the Carolinas Aviation Museum (since renamed to Sullenberger Aviation Museum) in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it (and the plane's engines) was put on display.<ref name=Auction>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/21/hudson.plane.sale/index.html |title='Miracle on Hudson' plane up for auction |first=Cassie |last=Spodak |website=CNN |date=January 22, 2010 |access-date=January 23, 2010 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922174329/http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/21/hudson.plane.sale/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/11/2371846/applauding-the-airliner-on-which.html |title=Applauding the airliner on which lives changed |last=Washburn |first=Mark |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer |date=June 12, 2011 |access-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918110143/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/11/2371846/applauding-the-airliner-on-which.html |archive-date=September 18, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/28131883/detail.html |title='Miracle On The Hudson' Plane Bound For NC |last=Gast |first=Phil |website=CNN |date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927235208/http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/28131883/detail.html |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref>
== Investigation ==
The partially submerged plane was towed downstream and moored to a pier near the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan, roughly 4{{nbs}}miles {{nobr|({{convert|4|mi|disp=out}})}} from the ditching location.<ref name=latimes /> On January 17, the aircraft was taken by barge<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/17/hudson.plane.crash/index.html |title=Engine still attached to plane in Hudson, agency says |website=CNN |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207024234/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/17/hudson.plane.crash/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7835939.stm |title=Crane pulls airliner from Hudson |website=BBC News |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=January 18, 2009 |archive-date=February 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217004947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7835939.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> to New Jersey.<ref name=movedtonj>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28688215 |title=Hudson jet's wreckage moved to New Jersey |website=NBC News |date=January 19, 2009 |access-date=January 19, 2009 |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204021100/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28688215/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The left engine, which had been detached from the aircraft by the ditching, was recovered from the riverbed on January 23.<ref name=depth>{{cite web |title=Crews hoist plane's engine from Hudson River |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-01-23-plane-engine_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531090558/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-01-23-plane-engine_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
The initial National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) evaluation that the plane had lost thrust after a bird strike<ref>{{cite news |title=US Airways Plane Crash-Lands in New York City's Hudson River, Everyone Survives |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/us-airways-plane-crash-lands-in-new-york-citys-hudson-river-everyone-survives/ |website=Fox News |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107052821/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/01/16/us-airways-plane-crash-lands-in-new-york-city-hudson-river-everyone-survives/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090115.html |title=NTSB Sending Go team to New York City for Hudson River Airliner Accident |website=National Transportation Safety Board |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=January 15, 2009 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120124/http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090115.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-01-15/ |title=Preliminary Accident Report |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=September 16, 2019 |website=National Transportation Safety Board |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030203610/https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-01-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref> was confirmed by analysis of the cockpit voice and flight data recorders.<ref name="recorders">{{cite news |last1=Matthews |first1=Karen |title=Plane’s recorders lend support hero pilot’s story |url=https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2009/01/19/plane-s-recorders-lend-support/52127482007/ |access-date=12 February 2026 |work=Pocono Record |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
It was found in the investigation that two days before the accident, the aircraft had experienced a compressor stall<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/19/hudson.plane.folo/index.html |title=Report on Earlier Flight 1549 Scare |access-date=January 20, 2009 |date=January 19, 2009 |website=CNN |first1=Abbie |last1=Boudreau |first2=Scott |last2=Zamost |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130233153/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/19/hudson.plane.folo/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7839106.stm |title=NY crash jet had earlier problem |access-date=January 20, 2009 |date=January 20, 2009 |website=BBC News |archive-date=March 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190309230818/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7839106.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> on the right engine, but the engine had restarted and the flight was completed. A faulty temperature sensor was found to be the cause of the compressor stall. This sensor had been replaced and the inspection also verified the engine had not been damaged in that incident.<ref name="ntsb4feb">{{cite press release |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/2009/090204.html |title=Third Update on Investigation into Ditching of US Airways Jetliner into Hudson River |date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020022040/https://www.ntsb.gov/news/2009/090204.html |url-status=dead |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref>
thumb|upright=1|A Canada goose brooding its eggs
On January 21, the NTSB found evidence of damage from a soft-body impact in the right engine along with organic debris including a feather.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/engine-airways-flight-1549-landed-hudson-river-found-article-1.422324 |title=Second engine of US Airways Flight 1549 that landed in Hudson River has been found |first=Barry |last=Paddock |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York |date=January 21, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531110743/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/engine-airways-flight-1549-landed-hudson-river-found-article-1.422324 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ntsb21jan">{{cite press release |title=NTSB Issues update on investigation into ditching of US Airways jetliner into Hudson River |date=January 21, 2009 |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090121.html |access-date=January 21, 2009 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604120129/http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090121.html |url-status=dead |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref> The left engine also showed soft-body impacts, with "dents on both the spinner and inlet lip of the engine cowling. Five booster inlet guide vanes are fractured and eight outlet guide vanes are missing."<ref name="ntsb24jan" /> Both engines, missing large portions of their housings,<ref>{{cite news |title=Seeing a Lost Engine to the Surface |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 23, 2009 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/nyregion/24river.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=engine&st=cse |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125043115/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/nyregion/24river.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=engine&st=cse |url-status=live }}</ref> were sent to the manufacturer for examination.<ref name="ntsb24jan">{{cite press release |date=January 24, 2009 |title=Second Update on investigation of ditching of US Airways Jetliner into Hudson River |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/pressrel/2009/090124.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205220646/https://www.ntsb.gov/pressrel/2009/090124.html |archive-date=February 5, 2009 |access-date=June 29, 2020 |website= |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref> On January 31, the plane was moved to Kearny, New Jersey. The bird remains<ref name=ntsb4feb /><ref>{{cite news |title=NTSB Confirms Birds In Engines Of Flight 1549 |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/ntsb_confirms_birds_in_engines.html |agency=Associated Press |website=NJ.com |date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |archive-date=February 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221155340/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/ntsb_confirms_birds_in_engines.html |url-status=live }}</ref> were later identified by DNA testing to be Canada geese, which typically weigh more than engines are designed to withstand ingesting.<ref name=ntsb4feb />
Since the plane had been assembled in France, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA; the European counterpart of the FAA) and the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA; the French counterpart of the NTSB) joined the investigation, with technical assistance from Airbus and GE Aviation/Snecma, respectively the manufacturers of the airframe and the engines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bea.aero/en/investigation-reports/notified-events/detail/event/collision-avec-des-oiseaux-en-montee-initiale-diminution-de-puissance-des-moteurs-amerrissage-dur-1/ |title=Accident, Weehawken – Hudson River, on 15 January 2009, AIRBUS A320, N106US |date=January 16, 2009 |website=Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety |access-date=June 1, 2009 |language=fr |archive-date=October 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007220532/https://www.bea.aero/en/investigation-reports/notified-events/detail/event/collision-avec-des-oiseaux-en-montee-initiale-diminution-de-puissance-des-moteurs-amerrissage-dur-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eads.com/1024/en/pressdb/pressdb/20090116_airbus_US_Airways_Flight_Number_US_1549.html |title=Statement of EADS (Airbus) Re: US Airways Flight US 1549 Accident in New York (La Guardia) |date=January 16, 2009 |website=EADS (Airbus) |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121222433/http://www.eads.com/1024/en/pressdb/pressdb/20090116_airbus_US_Airways_Flight_Number_US_1549.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 21, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://company.airbus.com/news-media/press-releases/Airbus-Group/Financial_Communication/2009/01/20090116_airbus_US_Airways_Flight_Number_US_1549.html|title=Media Information on US Airways Flight Number US 1549|date=January 16, 2009|access-date=October 25, 2018|archive-date=October 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026025030/http://company.airbus.com/news-media/press-releases/Airbus-Group/Financial_Communication/2009/01/20090116_airbus_US_Airways_Flight_Number_US_1549.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|upright=1|Goose feather found in the left engine
The NTSB used flight simulators to test the possibility that the flight could have returned safely to LaGuardia or diverted to Teterboro; only seven of the thirteen simulated returns to La Guardia succeeded, and only one of the two to Teterboro. Furthermore, the NTSB report called these simulations unrealistic: "The immediate turn made by the pilots during the simulations did not reflect or account for real-world considerations, such as the time delay required to recognize the bird strike and decide on a course of action." A further simulation, in which a 35-second delay was inserted to allow for those, crashed.<ref name=NTSBMay2010 />{{Reference page|page=50}} In testimony before the NTSB, Sullenberger maintained that there had been no time to bring the plane to any airport and that attempting to do so would likely have killed those onboard and more on the ground.<ref name=dodd />
The Board ultimately ruled that Sullenberger had made the correct decision,<ref name=dodd>{{cite magazine |last=Dodd |first=Johnny |date=September 19, 2016 |title=After the Miracle |magazine=People |pages=87–88}}</ref> reasoning that the checklist for dual-engine failure is designed for higher altitudes when pilots have more time to deal with the situation, and that while simulations showed that the plane might have just barely made it back to LaGuardia, those scenarios assumed an instant decision to do so, with no time allowed for assessing the situation.<ref name="WiredCBS2010">{{cite magazine |last=Paur |first=Jason |date=May 5, 2010 |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/05/ntsb-makes-recommendations-after-miracle-on-the-hudson-investigation/ |title=Sullenberger Made the Right Move, Landing in the Hudson |magazine=Wired |access-date=November 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122071144/https://www.wired.com/2010/05/ntsb-makes-recommendations-after-miracle-on-the-hudson-investigation/ |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |last=Yang |first=Carter |date=May 4, 2010 |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ntsb-sully-could-have-made-it-back-to-laguardia/ |title=NTSB: Sully Could Have Made it Back to LaGuardia |website=CBS News |access-date=November 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122071753/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ntsb-sully-could-have-made-it-back-to-laguardia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 4, 2010, the NTSB issued its final report, which identified the probable cause as "the ingestion of large birds into each engine, which resulted in an almost total loss of thrust in both engines".<ref name="NTSBMay2010">{{cite web|date=May 4, 2010|title=Loss of Thrust in Both Engines After Encountering a Flock of Birds and Subsequent Ditching on the Hudson River, US Airways Flight 1549, Airbus A320-214, N106US, Weehawken, New Jersey, January 15, 2009|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR1003.pdf|publisher=National Transportation Safety Board|id=NTSB/AAR-10/03|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115144626/http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/AAR1003.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Reference page|page=123}} The final report credited the outcome to four factors: good decision-making and teamwork by the cockpit crew (including decisions to immediately turn on the APU and to ditch in the Hudson); that the A320 is certified for extended overwater operation (and hence carried life vests and additional raft/slides, despite those not being required for that route); the performance of the flight crew during the evacuation; and the proximity of working vessels to the ditching site. Contributing factors were good visibility and fast response times from the ferry operators and emergency responders. The report made 34 recommendations, including that engines be tested for resistance to bird strikes at low speeds; development of checklists for dual-engine failures at low altitude, and changes to checklist design in general "to minimize the risk of flight crewmembers becoming stuck in an inappropriate checklist or portion of a checklist"; improved pilot training for water landings; provision of life vests on all flights regardless of route, and changes to the locations of vests and other emergency equipment; research into improved wildlife management, and technical innovations on aircraft, to reduce bird strikes; research into possible changes in passenger brace positions; and research into "methods of overcoming passengers' inattention" during preflight safety briefings.<ref name=NTSBMay2010 />{{Reference page|page=124}}
Author and pilot William Langewiesche asserted that insufficient credit was given to the A320's fly-by-wire design, by which the pilot uses a side-stick to make control inputs to the flight control computers. The computers then impose adjustments and limits of their own to keep the plane stable, which the pilot cannot override even in an emergency. This design allowed the pilots of Flight 1549 to concentrate on engine restart and deciding the course, without the burden of manually adjusting the glidepath to reduce the plane's rate of descent.<ref name=times-20100107>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7013967.ece |title=The miracle plane crash-landing on the Hudson River |date=February 7, 2010 |first=William |last=Langewiesche |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604183810/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7013967.ece |archive-date=June 4, 2011}}</ref> However, Sullenberger said that these computer-imposed limits also prevented him from achieving the optimal landing flare for the ditching, which would have softened the impact.<ref>{{cite AV media |people=Sullenberger, Chesley |date=June 19, 2012 |title=Making a Difference |publisher=Talks at Google |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKuw49KBywA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/cKuw49KBywA |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=October 7, 2017 |format=video}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
== Crew awards and honors ==
{{quote box |salign=right|align=left|width=35%|quote=The reactions of all members of the crew, the split second decision making and the handling of this emergency and evacuation was "text book" and an example to us all. To have safely executed this emergency ditching and evacuation, with the loss of no lives, is a heroic and unique aviation achievement.<!--It deserves the immediate recognition that has today been given by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.--> |author = {{mdash}}Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators citation}}
An NTSB board member called the ditching "the most successful{{nbsp}}... in aviation history. These people knew what they were supposed to do and they did it and as a result, no lives were lost."<ref name=movedtonj /> New York State Governor David Paterson called the incident "a Miracle on the Hudson".<ref name=BBC2>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832439.stm |title=Pilot hailed for 'Hudson miracle' |access-date=January 16, 2009 |website=BBC News |date=January 16, 2009 |archive-date=February 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220030947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832439.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Philippe |last1=Naughton |first2=James |last2=Bone |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/hero-crash-pilot-chesley-sullenberger-offered-key-to-city-of-new-york-93bx3bttq80|title=Hero crash pilot Chesley Sullenberger offered key to city of New York |access-date=May 15, 2023|newspaper=The Times |date=January 16, 2009 |location=London }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Ray |last=Rivera |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17pilot.html?ref=nyregion |title=In a Split Second, a Pilot Becomes a Hero Years in the Making |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115234418/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/17/nyregion/17pilot.html?ref=nyregion |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. President George W. Bush said he was "inspired by the skill and heroism of the flight crew", and praised the emergency responders and volunteers.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-14.html |title=Statement by the President on Plane Crash in New York City |website=Office of the Press Secretary, The White House |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914034518/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090115-14.html |url-status=live }}</ref> President-elect Barack Obama said that everyone was proud of Sullenberger's "heroic and graceful job in landing the damaged aircraft". He thanked the crew, whom he invited to his inauguration five days later.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/16/chesley-b-sully-sullenber_n_158688.html |title=Chesley B. Sully Sullenberger Praised By Obama |website=Huffington Post |date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204233412/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/16/chesley-b-sully-sullenber_n_158688.html |archive-date=February 4, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/obama-invites-flight-1549-pilot-and-crew-to-inauguration |title=Obama Invites Flight 1549 Pilot and Crew to Inauguration |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 19, 2009 |access-date=January 26, 2009 |first=Katharine Q. |last=Seelye |archive-date=January 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121154637/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/obama-invites-flight-1549-pilot-and-crew-to-inauguration/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators awarded the crew the rarely bestowed Master's Medal on January 22, 2009, for outstanding aviation achievement, at the discretion of the Master of the Guild.<ref name=Masters>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Celia |title=US Airways Flight 1549 Crew receive prestigious Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Award |website=Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators |access-date=April 30, 2014 |url=http://www.gapan.org/ruth-documents/Masters%20Medal%20%20Press%20Release.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613033006/http://www.gapan.org/ruth-documents/Masters%20Medal%20%20Press%20Release.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }}</ref> New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented the crew with the Keys to the City, and Sullenberger with a replacement copy of a library book lost on the flight, Sidney Dekker's ''Just Culture: Balancing Safety and Accountability''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/064-09/mayor-bloomberg-presents-captain-crew-us-airways-flight-1549-keys-the-city |title=Mayor Bloomberg Presents Captain and Crew of US Airways Flight 1549 With Keys to the City |date=February 9, 2009 |website=City of New York |access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007220038/http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/064-09/mayor-bloomberg-presents-captain-crew-us-airways-flight-1549-keys-the-city|archive-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref> Rescuers received certificates of honor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/023-09/mayor-bloomberg-us-airways-chief-executive-officer-doug-parker-honor-civilian-uniformed |title=Mayor Bloomberg and US Airways Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker Honor Civilian and Uniformed Rescuers from Flight 1549 |date=January 16, 2009 |website=City of New York |access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007221318/http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/023-09/mayor-bloomberg-us-airways-chief-executive-officer-doug-parker-honor-civilian-uniformed|archive-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref>
The crew received a standing ovation at the Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-03-sullenberger-interview_N.htm |title=Hero pilot: Splash landing in Hudson 'surreal' |date=February 3, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203182420/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-02-03-sullenberger-interview_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and Sullenberger threw the ceremonial first pitch of the 2009 Major League Baseball season for the San Francisco Giants.<ref>{{cite AV media | last=Keane | first=Sean | title=Review: Athletes from other sports throwing first pitches at SF Giants games | date=August 8, 2023 | url=https://www.si.com/mlb/giants/news/athletes-from-other-sports-throwing-first-pitches-at-sf-giants-games | work=si.com }}</ref> His Giants jersey was inscribed with the name "Sully" and the number 155{{px2}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}the count of people aboard the plane.<ref name="Giants">{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_12095405 |title=Mountain View school reunion at Giants' opener |last=Reid |first=John |date=April 7, 2009 |newspaper=The Mercury News |access-date=April 14, 2009 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202904/http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_12095405 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Giants End of Season Auction: Captain "Sully" Sullenberger First Pitch Jersey & Ball | date=September 10, 2018 | url=https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/auctionDisplay.action?sid=1101001&auctionId=2472001&isynsharedsession=7VlnbR2Aqewyml0UE_v8FNLA0Zm2fJy4nmUjZmyj0o5EdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm | work=mlb.com }}</ref>
On July 28, passengers Dave Sanderson and Barry Leonard organized a thank-you luncheon for emergency responders.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/3008794/article--Miracle-on-the-Hudson--survivors-to-return-to-waterfront-to-thank-NJ-emergency-responders-?instance=search_results |title='Miracle on the Hudson' survivors to return to waterfront |newspaper=The Union City Reporter |date=July 22, 2009 |access-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105517/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/3008794/article--Miracle-on-the-Hudson--survivors-to-return-to-waterfront-to-thank-NJ-emergency-responders-?instance=search_results |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tirella |first=Tricia |date=August 2, 2009 |url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/3073794/article-A-pat-on-the-back-Flight-1549-survivors-thank-local-first-responders-?instance=search_results |title=A pat on the back |newspaper=The Union City Reporter |access-date=August 2, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006211648/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/3073794/article-A-pat-on-the-back-Flight-1549-survivors-thank-local-first-responders-?instance=search_results |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Sullenberger was named Grand Marshal for the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heroic pilot `Sully’ Sullenberger named grand marshal of Rose Parade|url=https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/general-news/20091105/heroic-pilot-sully-sullenberger-named-grand-marshal-of-rose-parade/|website=Redlands Daily Facts|date=2009-11-05|access-date=2025-11-29|language=en-US}}</ref>
Sullenberger retired on March 3, 2010, after thirty years with US Airways and its predecessor, Pacific Southwest Airlines. At the end of his final flight he was reunited with Skiles and a number of the passengers from Flight 1549.<ref name="syracuse.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/miracle_on_the_hudson_pilot_ch.html |title='Miracle on the Hudson' pilot Chesley Sullenberger retires |agency=Associated Press |date=March 3, 2010 |website=Syracuse.com |access-date=July 23, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005715/https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/miracle_on_the_hudson_pilot_ch.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On April 28, 2010, the entire flight crew were awarded the National Air and Space Museum Trophy for Current Achievement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crew of US Airways Flight 1549 {{!}} National Air and Space Museum |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/multimedia-gallery/web11386-2010640jpg#:~:text=Chesley%20%22Sully%22%20Sullenberger%20with%20flight,Achievement%20on%20April%2028th%2C%202010. |website=airandspace.si.edu |access-date=15 January 2025 |language=en |date=29 June 2016}}</ref> In 2013, they were also inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Sprekelmeyer|editor-first=Linda|title=These We Honor: The International Aerospace Hall of Fame|publisher=Donning |year=2006|isbn=978-1-57864-397-4}}</ref>
In August 2010, aeronautical chart publisher Jeppesen issued a humorous approach plate titled "Hudson Miracle APCH", dedicated to the five crew of Flight 1549 and annotated "Presented with Pride and Gratitude from your friends at Jeppesen".<ref name=AH42faa198>{{cite web |url=http://avherald.com/h?article=42faa198&opt=0 |title=The Hudson Miracle Approach |website=Aviation Herald |first=Simon |last=Hradecky |access-date=August 15, 2010 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126160658/http://avherald.com/h?article=42faa198&opt=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== In popular culture == [[File:N106US aviation museum.jpg|thumb|N106US on display at Sullenberger Aviation Museum]]
Sullenberger's 2009 memoir, ''Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters'', was adapted into the feature film ''Sully'', directed by Clint Eastwood.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=June 2, 2015 |title=Clint Eastwood's Next Movie Revealed: Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger Tale |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwoods-next-movie-revealed-799151 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=June 2, 2015 |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807164635/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwoods-next-movie-revealed-799151 |url-status=live }}</ref> It starred Tom Hanks as Sullenberger and Aaron Eckhart as Skiles. Vince Lombardi, the captain of the first ferry to reach the downed plane, appears as himself.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |title=Aaron Eckhart Joins Tom Hanks in Sully Sullenberger Movie |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aaron-eckhart-joins-tom-hanks-814613 |date=August 11, 2015 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807153514/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aaron-eckhart-joins-tom-hanks-814613 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released by Warner Bros. on September 9, 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Stone |first1=Natalie |title=Clint Eastwood's 'Sully' Gets Early Fall Release Date |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwoods-sully-gets-early-850327 |access-date=December 25, 2015 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 18, 2015 |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807154645/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clint-eastwoods-sully-gets-early-850327 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy wrote ''Hard Landing'' about the event. It was commissioned by the BBC, first performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on 6 February 2025, and premiered on BBC Radio 3 on 29 March 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio 3 in Concert - The London Philharmonic - BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00298bf |publisher=BBC Radio 3 |access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hard Landing (2024) |url=https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/80842/Hard-Landing--Donnacha-Dennehy/ |publisher=Wise Music |access-date=24 April 2025}}</ref>
It has been reported that a cocktail had been named in Sullenberger's honor: the "Sully" consisted of two shots of Grey Goose vodka and a splash of water.<ref> https://archive.nytimes.com/cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/make-mine-a-sully/ </ref>
== See also == * Scandinavian Airlines System Flight 751 * Aeroflot Flight 366 * Ural Airlines Flight 178 * Garuda Indonesia Flight 421 * TACA Flight 110 * List of airline flights that required gliding
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|US Airways Flight 1549}}
*[https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR1003.pdf Accident Report] *[https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=73240 Investigation docket] *{{cite web|url=http://www.bea.aero/en/enquetes/newyork/info16january2009.php|title=Information on the accident that occurred in New York on January 15, 2009|website=bea.aero|publisher=Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety|date=January 16, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721061913/http://www.bea.aero/en/enquetes/newyork/info16january2009.php|archive-date=July 21, 2011}} <!-- the picture linked below is NOT just any other picture, it is the Twitter picture that is believed to have scooped all mainstream news outlets to the story (see talk page), and has in itself been discussed in news articles about the merits of sites like Twitter compared to mainstream news, so it is definitely notable. It is also a good record of the immediate actions of the passengers, i.e. standing on the wings. Do not remove it as just another link. --> *{{cite web |last=Krūms |first=Jānis |date=January 15, 2009 |url=http://twitpic.com/135xa |title=There's a plane in the Hudson. I'm on the ferry going to pick up the people. Crazy |website=TwitPic}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/2009-01-15/|title=US Airways 1549 (AWE1549), January 15, 2009|website=faa.gov|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|date=March 2, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2019}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjXCulRjPas |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/gjXCulRjPas |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Flight 1549 Alternate Audio, Multi-Perspective Composite Animation|website=YouTube|publisher=exosphere3d|date=November 12, 2009}}{{cbignore}} *{{cite web |url=http://www.exosphere3d.com/pubwww/pages/project_gallery/cactus_1549_hudson_river.html |title=Cactus Flight 1549 Accident Reconstruction (US Airways Animation) |website=Exosphere3D}} *{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightsafety.org/ccs/ccs_nov_dec98.pdf |title=Analysis of Training for Emergency Water Landings Questions Assumptions, Inconsistencies |journal=Cabin Crew Safety|volume=33|issue=6 |date=November–December 1998 |publisher=The Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=February 10, 2009}} *{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightsafety.org/ccs/ccs_may-jun90.pdf |title=Stress, Behavior, Training and Safety (in Emergency Evacuation) |journal=Cabin Crew Safety|volume=25|issue=3 |date=May–June 1990 |publisher=The Flight Safety Foundation|access-date=February 10, 2009}} *{{cite web |last=Corrigan |first=Douglas |date=April 2011 |url=http://www.culturewars.com/2011/Pilots.htm |title=The Demise of the Airline Pilot |website=Culture Wars}} *{{cite web|url=http://vimeo.com/24963231|title='The Miracle on the Hudson' Teaser|website=Vimeo|publisher=Process Pictures, LLC|year=2012}} *{{cite web|url=https://www.jeppesen.com/images/misc/hudson-miracle-approach-chart.jpg|title=Hudson Miracle Approach Chart|website=jeppesen.com|publisher=Jeppesen}} *{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=N106US&distinct_entry=true |title=Photos of the Airbus |website=Airliners.net}} *{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/joe-gould-stayed-high-dry-trip-n-article-1.422050 |title=Stayed high & dry on my trip to N.C. |last=Gould |first=Joe |date=January 17, 2009 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York}} * {{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/i/moments/1085654956458225666|title=Twitter Moment – Sullenberger's recollections, ten years on}} * {{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/flyhighdreamhigh3223/videos/826921944162133|title=Captain C.B. Sully Sullenberger Flight 1549 live ATC communication . Hudson River force water landing after losing both engines|website=Facebook }}
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