A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Jan. 15, 2009, US Airways Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed an Airbus A320 safely in the Hudson River after striking a flock of birds that disabled both engines shortly after takeoff; all 155 people aboard survived.
Here are some of the details, with 15 years of perspective to go along with it:
US Airways Flight 1549 embarked at 3:24 p.m. from LaGuardia Airport in New York, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. The plane was piloted by Sullenberger, a 40-year flying veteran, and his co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles.
About one minute into the flight, traveling at 250 mph, the plane struck a flock of geese, which were sucked into its engines.
Told to return to LaGuardia, Sullenberger decided turning around and gliding back to the runway was not an option.
The pilot told the control tower of his change in plans and began to glide toward the Hudson River, just topping the George Washington Bridge.
At 3:30 p.m., Sullenberger told the passengers, “Brace for impact,” per reports. Traveling at 150 mph with its nose raised, Flight 1549 landed in the frigid water of the Hudson River in an area that was miraculously clear of all watercraft.
Evacuation began immediately, and crew members moved passengers onto the plane’s wings. By 3:35 p.m., boats reached the plane and started offloading passengers.
Though four people sustained injuries, everyone survived.
New York State Gov. David Paterson said, “We had a ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’ I believe now we have had a ‘Miracle on the Hudson.‘”
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about Sullenberger, teamwork, heroism and other issues:
"10-year anniversary of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’: A look back on the events of Jan. 15, 2009"
"About Utah: Utahn’s family comes first after Hudson incident"
"Moving ‘Sully’ highlights the drama during and after 2009’s ‘Miracle on the Hudson’"
"Sullenberger attributes ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ to culture of teamwork"
"Thousands turn out to honor Hudson River pilot’s heroism"
"Hero pilot: Splash landing in Hudson ‘surreal’"
