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Dear Readers,
We make a special effort here to record the facts as we receive them. At times, there may be error but we do try to use our best judgement at the time of posting, and will be glad to amend any details which are proved incorrect. Furthermore, even though we do not here discuss the human cost, we realize that losing anyone in an air accident is insurmountable tragedy to individuals, families and communities. We do extend our heartfelt sympathy to those whose loss we record here. "...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for..." us all.
Meditation XVII - (with apologies to) John Donne


2009/01/15

US Airways Airbus Goes Down in the Hudson



What: U.S. Airways passenger Airbus Flight 1549 enroute to Charlotte, N.C. taking off at t 3:26 p.m
Where: Hudson River off New York City
When: Thurs jan 15
Who: 155 on board scrambling onto rescue boat (50 passengers, three flight attendants and two pilots )
Why: Pilot hit a flock of geese after taking off from LaGuardia. (Two bird hits) Four minutes after takeoff passengers report hearing an explosion from the left side of the plane.



Heroic efforts were made, retrieving 150 from the freezing Hudson waters. (It was a 20-degree day.) Gov. David Paterson has called the rescue "miracle on the Hudson."



US Airways CEO Doug Parker public announcement.


The captain of US Airways 1549 is Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III. Captain Sullenberger has over 40 years of flying experience." He a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy (B.S.), Purdue University (M.S.) and the University of Northern Colorado (M.A.)., former US Air Force (USAF) fighter pilot, who has served as an instructor and Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) safety chairman, accident investigator and national technical committee member, and has participated in several USAF and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident investigations.

Passengers are recorded saying the Captain walked the length of the aisle to verify everyone was safely out.


NTSB Advisory
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
January 15, 2009

NTSB SENDING GO TEAM TO NEW YORK CITY FOR HUDSON RIVER AIRLINER ACCIDENT

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a Go Team to investigate today's crash of a US Airways Airbus A-320 (N106US) into the Hudson River in New York City.

Senior Air Safety Investigator Robert Benzon has been designated as Investigator-in-Charge of the 20-member team. NTSB Member Kitty Higgins is accompanying the team and will serve as principal spokesperson for the on-scene investigation. Peter Knudson is the press officer for the investigative team.

The team will be arriving in New York this evening.

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