1.15.22 – Thirteen Years Later: US Airways Flight 1549

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Thirteen Years Later: US Airways Flight 1549

Thirteen years ago today, US Airways flight 1549, carrying 150 passengers and a crew of five, departed New York’s LaGuardia Airport with an intended destination of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Shortly after takeoff, the A320 collided with a flock of migrating Canada geese which were ingested into both engines. With precious few minutes to assess the situation, the decision was made to ditch the aircraft in the Hudson River.

(L to R): Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, CLT-based Flight Attendants Doreen Welsh, Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles.

Today, we remember the heroes of that day. On that frigid January morning, Flight Attendants Doreen Welsh, Donna Dent, Sheila Dail, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, and hundreds of First Responders on the ground worked together to ensure the safety and survival of all passengers on board.

Photo courtesy of the Carolinas Aviation Museum