Good news! Hero pilot saves 155 people as he safely lands US Airways jet in a Manhattan Hudson river
Last updated 1/19/2009 12:41:20 AM
US Airways landed safely in Hudson River Manhattan
"You gotta give it to the pilot, he made a hell of a landing," said a survivor of the US Airways jet which ditched into Manhatten's fast-moving Hudson River, without any major injuries to the 155 people on board.
And that simple exclamation, expressed in uncomplicated but heartfelt Amercian slang, summed up the feelings of us all on hearing the incredible story of the jet which escaped major disaster.
Witnesses saw the plane glide in low for an emergency landing, shortly after taking off from New York's LaGuardia airport. US Airways said 150 passengers and five crew were aboard the Airbus A320, headed for Charlotte, North Carolina.
It's perhaps the worst nightmare imaginable for many of us - being onboard a plane that's in trouble and going down. So imagine the relief of the passengers onboard the Airbus A320 plane who could only pray for a miracle after it apparently hit a flock of geese.
A miracle is what they got, as New York Governor David Paterson told a news conference after Thursday's drama unfolded. "We've had a miracle on the Hudson," he said, declaring the pilot a hero.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also praised the pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger for ensuring all those on board, including a baby, were safe.
"The pilot did a masterful job of landing the plane in the river and then making sure that everybody got out," Mr Bloomberg said, remarking that the pilot was even calm enough to walk through the plane twice after landing to ensure everyone was out.
A former Air Force fighter pilot with 40 years flying experience, his bravery was extraordinary.
How different it could have been. We know this only too well, from the air disasters documented in modern history, of the tragic shadow they can cast over the lives of the loved ones left behind.
So it's genuinely heartening to be able to reflect on a major news story which turned out well - which in simple story-telling terms delivered a happy ending, despite the obvious trauma and minor injuries caused to the passengers.
It's a reminder too that in the face of adversity, human bravery shines through, makes us proud - and frankly makes us hopeful that when it matters most, we're in safe hands. Congratulations Mr Sullenberger on a job incredibly well done.