Miracle on the Hudson

By now you have probably seen the pictures, and have watched the video. For those who have not, US Airway Flight 15479 took off from La Guardia Airport for a merely two minutes when large flocks of birds flew towards the plane. Both engines got disabled as birds were sucked into the jet’s engines by their powerful suction force. Fortunately, the plane was controlled by Captain Chesley B Sullenberger III (pictured), who calmly took the ill-fated plane to an emergency landing into the Hudson River. Miraculously, all 155 people on board survived.

Out from so many stories of distress and sadness came a story that was cheerful and upbeat. I have no knowledge in the difficulty of flying a plane, much less landing a plane in any type of emergency, but this much I know: most who were interviewed about the incidents said that it was a total miracle that everyone on board survived what literally was a plane crash.

Behind this heroic and miraculous act is a pilot, Mr. Sullenberger. What we must know is that this miracle was possible because Mr. Sullenberger is a well-experienced pilot who has the skills to make such an emergency landing. But more importantly, it is Sullenberger’s ability to make an instantaneous decision outside the box that saved the lives of 155: when he discovered that his plane has lost power in both engines, he reported the disaster calmly to the airport’s traffic control. He was initially told to fly back to the airport for an emergency landing. It was Sullenberger’s ability to immediately see that such a suggestion was not feasible, and his ability to decide to try the landing on a frigid river, that made the difference. Sullenberger did not just accept the “order” from the authorities; he took it, digested it, and made changes that are deemed right for the situation. And he parlayed that with a masterful job in landing the plane on the water, preventing the almost-full fuel tank from exploding, and holding the wings above water so passengers had a chance to escape.

My utmost respect to Captain Sullenberger – you have demonstrated courage and wisdom in a time of distress, and are a true model for so many of us.