On January 15, 2009, US Airways Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport in New York City when the Airbus plane he was flying hit a flock of birds, lost engine capacity, and had to try an emergency landing.
Not just any emergency landing. An emergency landing in the only place available, the Hudson River.
It was one of those events that defined the times, a historical place marker. I certainly remember it well.
Here’s the Coast Guard camera that caught it all.
You can see the plane splash down on the left.
Then come to rest in the water.
Then the passengers exited onto the wings, waiting for rescue.
It became one of those events that defines our memories.
Here is the chilling cockpit audio communications with the control tower:
This hour-long documentary tells the story.
Okay, time to take out the hankies:
In a series of tweets today, Sully remembered the event:
Ten years later, these are the things that stay with me: the professionalism of the crew and air traffic controllers, the cooperation of passengers, the bravery of the rescuers and first responders, and the enduring love of my family, and I celebrate them every day. #Flight1549
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY
