How the Miracle on the Hudson Unfolded

Summary

US Airways pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger is celebrated as an American hero for his miraculous Hudson River landing, saving all 155 passengers and crew. The incident sparked widespread admiration, with tributes pouring in on social media and President Bush commending his heroism. Sullenberger's actions, ensuring everyone's safety by being the last to leave the plane, and the rapid, compassionate rescue efforts in freezing conditions, highlight the story of survival and heroism.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger is celebrated as the hero for landing a US Airways jet safely on the Hudson River, saving all passengers and crew.
• 📰 Front page headlines and social media tributes poured in overnight, recognizing Sully's exceptional piloting skills.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sully's wife Lori expressed pride and relief, highlighting the rarity of such incidents in a pilot's career.
• 🛬 Sully was the last to leave the plane, ensuring everyone's safety by checking the aisles in waist-deep water.
• 🗽 New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Bush praised Sully's heroism and calm under pressure.
• 🚁 Sully's military background as an Air Force Academy cadet and experience flying F-4 Phantom jets contributed to his ability to handle the crisis.
• 🧭 The flight simulator recreation showed Sully's skill in avoiding Manhattan skyscrapers and landing at 140 mph in the Hudson.
• 🥶 Several passengers suffered from hypothermia, highlighting the compassionate response of the crew and other passengers.
• 👶 A nine-month-old baby and his four-year-old sister were among the passengers, showing the diversity of those on board.
• 🤝 Survivors and their families expressed deep gratitude to the pilot and each other, sharing emotional reunions upon arrival in Charlotte.
• 📸 The first images of the plane in the water were captured by a ferry passenger and quickly spread on social media, showing the power of citizen journalism.

Q & A

Who is Chesley Sullenberger, also known as Sully?

Chesley Sullenberger, known as Sully, is the pilot who successfully landed a US Airways jet in the Hudson River, saving all passengers and crew on board.

What was the significance of Sully's landing in the Hudson River?

Sully's landing in the Hudson River was significant because he managed to land the plane safely without any casualties, despite both engines failing due to a bird strike, and was hailed as a heroic act.

How did the public react to Sully's actions?

The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with front-page headlines, tribute pages on Facebook, and messages of admiration pouring in for Sully's heroism.

What did President Bush say about Sully's actions?

President Bush hailed Sully's heroism and expressed gratitude that everyone was safely off the airplane.

What was Sully's wife's reaction to the incident?

Sully's wife, Lori, was very proud of her husband and expressed relief that everyone was safe, with her voice cracking as she spoke of the drama.

What did Sully do after landing the plane in the Hudson River?

After landing the plane, Sully was the last man off, ensuring all passengers were off the plane by walking the aisles in waist-deep water.

How did New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg describe Sully's actions?

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg spoke in awe of Sully's heroism, describing him as the right man with the right stuff at the right moment.

What was Sully's background before this incident?

Sully was a former Air Force Academy cadet who flew F-4 Phantom jets for seven years, indicating his extensive experience and skill as a pilot.

What was the condition of the passengers after the landing?

Several passengers suffered from hypothermia due to the freezing temperatures, but all were eventually rescued thanks to the quick response of nearby boats and emergency services.

How did the pilot's actions impact the survivors?

The pilot's actions not only saved the lives of all passengers but also showed compassion, as he gave his shirt to a passenger suffering from hypothermia.

What was the initial reaction of the passengers when the plane hit the water?

The initial reaction of the passengers was shock and fear, with some thinking they were going to die, as they braced for impact and the water started flooding the plane.

How did the rescue operation unfold after the plane landed in the Hudson River?

The rescue operation was swift and efficient, with commuter ferries and other boats quickly reaching the sinking jet, throwing life preservers, and helping passengers to safety.