Chanuka
On January 15, 2009, US Airways flight 1549 crashed into a flock of Canada geese, causing both engines to lose thrust. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, a veteran United States Air Force fighter pilot, was forced to make an emergency landing. He made the decision to land in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people on board.
Ten years later, the audio from Sullenberger’s cockpit is still as terrifying as ever. In the recording, Sullenberger calmly informs air traffic control of the situation. When the controller suggests making an emergency landing at LaGuardia or Teeterboro airports, Sullenberger knows they won’t make it and makes the decision to land in the Hudson River. The recording ends with the controller losing radar contact with the plane.
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Sullenberger has been hailed as a hero for his actions that day. However, he initially struggled with the label. He has since come to appreciate people’s admiration and is still in contact with several of the people he saved. Sullenberger attributes the success of the emergency landing to the collective efforts of everyone involved.
The Miracle on the Hudson is a reminder of the importance of quick thinking and teamwork in the face of crisis. Listening to the cockpit audio may still give us chills, but it also serves as a testament to the incredible bravery and skill of Captain Sullenberger and the entire crew of US Airways flight 1549.
