Captain Sully speaks out 10 years after 'Miracle on the Hudson'

Summary

On the 10th anniversary of the 'Miracle on the Hudson', we revisit the heroic emergency landing executed by Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger. On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, struck by a flock of geese, lost its engines and made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. All 155 souls on board survived, thanks to Sully's calm and skilled maneuvers, and quick rescue efforts. As the decade marker approaches, Sully reflects on the event's significance and reunites with the passengers, celebrating the teamwork and humanity shown during this remarkable incident.

Highlights

• Captain Sully's 'Miracle on the Hudson' landing happened 10 years ago, leaving no one injured. ✈️
• The plane hit a flock of geese, leading to engine failure, but Sully's skills led to a safe water landing. 🦆
• Sully’s strategic use of the Hudson River avoided fire risks and ensured everyone's safety. 🌊
• Quick response by ferries played a critical role in rescuing people from the freezing waters. 🚢
• Reconnecting with passengers, Sully reflects on shared gratitude and life experiences since that day. 😊

Key Takeaways

• Captain Sully's calm leadership during the Hudson emergency landing saved 155 lives. 🌟
• A decade later, the 'Miracle on the Hudson' remains a testament to human teamwork and resilience. 🤝
• The Hudson River's use as an emergency runway prevented a post-crash fire, showcasing strategic thinking. 🔥
• The story emphasizes how quick rescue efforts in cold conditions were crucial to survival. 🚤
• Sully reunites with passengers, celebrating shared experiences and life milestones born from survival. 🎉

Overview

A decade ago, people witnessed a near-impossible incident turned triumph, commonly known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson'. US Airways Flight 1549, pilot by Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, struck by a flock of geese during ascent, lost both engines and was forced to land on the icy Hudson River. Miraculously, all aboard survived thanks to Sully's expert handling and composure despite the dire circumstances.

On this anniversary, we see Captain Sully reconnecting with those whose lives he saved, reflecting on the impact and importance of working together in times of crisis. The swift response by ferries and the courage shown by passengers turned a potential disaster into a story of hope and unity. This event also highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in emergencies.

The celebrations continue with a reunion in Charlotte where the now-iconic plane is on display. People gather to remember that incredible January day, sharing stories of survival and the bond formed in the aftermath. This moment marks not just a celebration of survival, but also a testament to human spirit and camaraderie that emerged from the flight's emergency landing.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction to the Miracle on the Hudson The chapter "Introduction to the Miracle on the Hudson" recounts the unforgettable event where a passenger jet made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. Remarkably, it has been 10 years since this incident took place. The narrator shares a personal connection, having witnessed the event firsthand. They recall visiting the scene with the heroic pilot, Sully, who successfully guided the plane to a safe landing, saving all passengers.
• 00:30 - 01:00: The Emergency Landing and its Aftermath This chapter recounts the extraordinary event of US Airways Flight 1549's emergency landing in the Hudson River after the plane's engines were disabled due to a bird strike. Despite the dire circumstances, all 155 passengers and crew, including a nine-month-old baby, survived the incident. Notably, Robin Roberts, residing in an apartment overlooking the Hudson, witnessed the remarkable landing.
• 01:00 - 01:30: Captain Sully's Heroic Landing This chapter focuses on the heroic actions of Captain Chesley Sullenberger, commonly referred to as Sully. It details how he earned his reputation as a hero by successfully landing a plane on the Hudson River, an event that later became known as the 'miracle on the Hudson.' Sully's expertise and calm demeanor during the emergency landing turned a river into an improvised runway, ensuring the highest possible chance of saving every life onboard and avoiding the dangers of a post-crash fire. The chapter highlights the proximity of the crash to urban areas, emphasizing the pilot's skill and quick thinking that averted further disaster.
• 01:30 - 02:00: 10th Anniversary Reflections In the chapter titled '10th Anniversary Reflections', the focus is on the reflections of Sully regarding a pivotal event that occurred years ago. The transcript focuses on the life-changing impact the event had on everyone involved, notably the passengers and their families. On a cold day, the quick arrival of the first New York Waterway ferry, just under four minutes after the event, was crucial in preventing hypothermia for those who had gotten wet. Sully emphasizes the vital role of teamwork among passengers, crew, volunteers, and first responders, highlighting the positive outcomes when society collaborates effectively.
• 02:00 - 02:30: Reunion and Ceremony The chapter focuses on the themes of reunion and remembrance, highlighting the incredible achievement of Captain Sully and all those involved in the plane incident. There is an emphasis on the shared human experience and what can be accomplished when people come together. The exciting revelation is that Sully is reuniting with passengers from the plane, with a ceremony planned to commemorate the anniversary of the event. An exclusive interview with Sully and some passengers is set to take place. Additionally, the plane involved is displayed at an aviation museum in Charlotte for the public to admire, symbolizing the miraculous event.
• 02:30 - 03:00: Lasting Impact and Personal Stories The chapter titled 'Lasting Impact and Personal Stories' seems to focus on the enduring effects and personal narratives that arise from extraordinary events. The excerpt provided reflects on a personal connection maintained over the years with a family who have shared significant life moments made possible by an event. Additionally, there's a vivid recount of witnessing an emergency landing, indicating the profound personal memories and stories tied to such impactful experiences. These narratives emphasize the long-term influence of impactful events on individual lives and the meaningful connections forged through them.

Captain Sully speaks out 10 years after 'Miracle on the Hudson' Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 now to event so many of us will never forget I know I'll never forget it because I actually saw it with my own eyes what became known as The Miracle on the Hudson a passenger jet making an emergency landing on the Hudson River it's hard to believe it's that was 10 years ago Amy went back to the river with Sully Sully and yeah 10 years can you believe it was a it's been a decade well I visited the scene of the miracle with the man who made it all happen guiding that plane down into the water and saving every single person on board
• 00:30 - 01:00 who can forget that day the incredible emergency landing of US Airways flight 1549 after hitting a flock of geese paralyzing its engines there is an airplane down in the Hudson River right off Manhattan 155 souls on board all surviving including a nine month old baby our own Robin Roberts witnessed the crash from her apartment overlooking the Hudson it was just a amazing landing the
• 01:00 - 01:30 fuselage never broke up or anything like that it became known as the miracle on the Hudson the miracle worker captain Chesley Sullenberger famously known as Sully the hero pilot who calmly landed the plane in the middle of the river between New York City and New Jersey this was your landing strip we made a runway out of a river and by doing that I knew that we had the best chance of saving every life and we would avoid the possibility of a post-crash fire just a few hundred feet from where the plane actually crashed with the
• 01:30 - 02:00 ferries that helped save them just behind us Sully reflected on this 10th anniversary I knew immediately it was gonna be a life-changing event for everyone on the airplane and their families the first New York Waterway ferry arrived 3 minutes 55 seconds after we had touched the water and that was critical especially on such a cold day when many people had gotten wet and hypothermia can minutes Sulli says the teamwork of passengers crew and all the volunteers and first responders says a lot about our world when we work together when we
• 02:00 - 02:30 remember our common humanity there is little we cannot accomplish now this is very exciting later today Sully is going to reunite with many of those passengers on board that plane so tomorrow is the actual anniversary and there will be a ceremony and a big get-together for all those passengers and crew and I'll get to share an exclusive interview with Sully and some of those passengers tomorrow I'm heading down to Charlotte right now they've got the plane in the aviation museum there for people to witness and see the miracle itself I know and the passengers who kept in
• 02:30 - 03:00 touch I thought there was your phone again just have kept in touch with him over the years he and his wife and they've shared with them a burst that they would not have been able to experience and graduations and things like that gives you chills does it really does and I'll never forget being in my apartment looking up I happen to be looking out and I was on the 11th floor and why would a plane me going by and I was a second caller to 911 and it was an emergency landing it was not a crash landing he used that river as his
• 03:00 - 03:30 runway anything it's been 10 years I know hard to believe