USVI-On-Line

I'm glad to hear that everyone got out, because the last time I looked the plane was pretty much sunk!

Miracle that there are survivors.

And yes, its definitely too late in the day for making the STJ connection. The only flt from CLT to STT is in the late morning.

Those people are very lucky. I am glad they are OK.

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Reports confirm all off, a few to hospital with hypothermia.

Local NBC affiliate had early shots from newscopter showing folks in business wear and those yellow life vests out on the wing and calmly being off loaded to NY Waterway ferries, NYPD boats, and a tugboat.

Plane hit geese out of LGA, only got to just over 3000 ft, engine failure, swung left (south), lost altitude, eyewitnesses saying pilot put it down with gear up, nose up right near the Intrepid which also happens to be very close to the ferry terminals that criss cross the Hudson near there.

Awesome job by pilot. I guess there is such a thing as a "water landing". I'd say the Hudson is about 400-600 yards wide there, water temp reported 41 degrees, air temp 20.

Based on local feed, NBC national broadcast with Brian Williams might have best pictures at 6:30

Since everyone's OK, I can tell a half-funny story.

Immediately after it happened, my email pinged. One of my customers was emailing to ask me if I was on the plane.

1: If I was, how could I answer
2: Seeing how I live in Raleigh (a point I have stressed to this person nearly weekly for 2 years), why would I be on a plane to Charlotte.

Still...nice of her to think of me.

Also...I always take off my shoes when I get on a plane. I put them on when we're on final approach, figuring that the plane's more likely to go down on landing and I should have shoes in case of anything. Maybe I'll keep mine on tomorrow afternoon when we take off.

The job the pilots did is beyond amazing. A friggin miracle.

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Every time I fly, I always hope it's an ex-fighter pilot at the controls (as in this case).

Kudos to New York authorities for getting ferries, etc. to the site for the rescue.

So happy that everyone got out!

Maryanne wrote:Every time I fly, I always hope it's an ex-fighter pilot at the controls (as in this case).

Me too! I want the guys that have been there, done that 1000x over.

Wow!! truly quite amazing to see that outcome. so many variables to contend with. I couldn't imagine...

I'm in awe of the pilot. What a great job he did. And those rescuers from NYC, right on the ball. What a fantastic rescue!

Unbelievable outcome for a truly horrific event....thank BOTH pilots!!!!!

Maryanne wrote:Every time I fly, I always hope it's an ex-fighter pilot at the controls (as in this case).

I saw the pilot on the news and said the same thing. THAT'S THE PILOT I WANT! I HATE flying. Every time I board a plane I am not sure if I want to see the flight crew...if I walked onto the plane and saw that guy, I'd be okay. What a hero. Plus, how fantastic the passengers didn't panic and make it a deadly experience.

For the first time in a VERY long time, I am proud to say that I am a member of the US Airways family...In 2002 after 25 years I decided to jump ship.. I have many friends and family members ( my brother is a check airman)that I miss dearly...today they showed the world the main reason that they are there...for your safety...although I don't recognize the pilot's name..I have heard through our airline family grapevine tonight that one of the F/A's was a friend and from our old base here in ILM...As I watched it unfold, all I could think of was AirFlorida in DC and how cold it was that day...This pilot and his entire crew have demonstrated unbelievable courage and professionalism in the face of insurmountable odds,...lets face it there has never been a successful ditching and today they blew that outta the record books..I am SO PROUD of my fellow coworkers/family...next time you get on a airplane take a few minutes to look at the other side,.. I bet you might have a little different outlook..God Bless Them All!
Boats