Shortly after take off from New York’s LaGuardia International Airport, a USAirways flight bound for Charlotte NC was apparently struck by something, and within minutes, it crash landed into the Hudson River. An eyewitness said that it appears that the pilot was able to bring the plane to rest on the river in such a way as to minimize the impact.
Immediately a multijurisdictional rescue went into action. Ferry boats and tugboats converged immediately, and rescue units were at the pier with stretchers if needed. With 135 passengers, plus the crew, the immediate concern was getting them off the plane before it sank. Passengers began to appear on the wing area and some in the water. The temperature is 21 degrees, water temperature is 43 degrees, wth a windchill factor of 35 degrees. Some of the rescuers ended up being ferry passengers from the ferries that responded. All sources have said that the “first responders” were great in their efforts.
FOXNews has just reported police confirmation that all passengers and crew have been accounted for, and are enroute to area hospitals. It is being reported that birds took out both engines.
UPDATE (4:23pm): Although there are conflicting reports about how many passengers and crew were on the plane, it is still being confirmed that all passengers and crew have been accounted for!
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January 15, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Interested Bystander
JAMES,
Kuddos to the pilot who did his job with professionalism, and cool headed skill.
I’m wondering, if maybe he was praying when he saw the George Washington Bridge coming up, and from what I have heard reported, barely made it over the bridge. I wonder if he had to change his pants after he got to shore.
Reports are that the pilot ensured all passangers and crew were off the plane, and then did a walk through twice to make sure no one was left, with water coming in to the plane, before he departed.
I would suggest that the pilot will be getting quite a few cards, especially around Christmas time.
A major tragedy averted. It’s nice to hear some good news.
January 15, 2009 at 6:38 pm
JAMES
The pilot is said to have been a safety coordinator for the pilots union as well. He did as the adage says, the Captain stays with the ship until everyone is rescued. I have heard several of the passengers, and they too are to be commended, in that, after the first initial shock, they reacted in a manner that made it possible for all the pssengers to get to safety in a quick. Additionally, the captains of the ferry boats and tugs who were so quick to respond and THEIR passengers who immediately went into rescue-mode. Adrenalin is a great thing!