Howdy All:

I'm currently working in New York City, and saw the aircraft that emergency landed in the Hudson River from the office building on 50th Street. The Airbus hit birds after taking off form LaGuardia. I fly in and out of that airport every week. Anyway, the pilot tried to make Teterboro but had lost both engines and put her down in the middle of the Hudson River.

They say the plane first hit the water at about 57th Street which would be about the south side of Central Park. Witnesses said the pilot made a very smooth landing on the river. That must be so since the plane was intact and floating for a while, and apparently none of the 150 or so passengers and crew were killed.

I saw the rudder of the plane and the emergency boats before the plane drifted down river and sunk. I have heard it did not completely sink and it is now tied to a dock.

This pilot was an absolute professional, that's for sure. I'd say the Air Force trained him well.

From Fox News:


"New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the pilot told him he walked the plane twice to make sure everyone was off the plane, before exiting the aircraft.

The pilot of the plane was Chesley B. Sullenburger III, his daughter confirmed to FOXNews.com. She declined to give additional details or confirm a TMZ report that he was a former Air Force flight leader and training officer who flew F-4s from 1973 to 1980."