What Happened During the Hudson River Landing
On January 15, 2009, an Airbus A320 ditched on the Hudson River shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport. The aircraft lost engine power after a bird strike and glided to the water near midtown Manhattan.
Rescue and Outcome
Passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft onto the wings and were rescued by nearby ferries and emergency vessels. All 155 people on board survived, and most sustained minor injuries or none at all.
Why the Landing Is Remembered
The event is known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" because the crew landed the plane safely on water in a densely populated area. The incident highlighted aviation safety procedures, pilot training, and rapid emergency response. Details are documented by the National Transportation Safety Board at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/WD09MR001.aspx.
