Flight 1549: The Miracle on the Hudson | E 142 – The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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In this episode of The Crux, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the miraculous events of January 15, 2009, when U.S. Airways flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. With a calm and collected demeanor, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles navigated this high-stakes situation, ensuring the safety of all 155 passengers and crew aboard. The episode covers the preparation, quick thinking, and profound impact of this remarkable aviation story, highlighting Sully's extensive experience and the collective efforts of everyone involved in the rescue. Tune in to hear the gripping details and the legacy of the Miracle on the Hudson.
00:00 Introduction to the Miracle on the Hudson
01:29 Setting the Scene: January 15th, 2009
04:29 The Bird Strike: A Catastrophic Event
05:19 Sully's Calm and Calculated Response
06:49 The Decision to Land on the Hudson
09:12 The Perfect Water Landing
11:46 Evacuation and Rescue
14:09 Aftermath and Heroism
16:00 Sully's Early Life and Aviation Beginnings
17:20 Aviation Career and Contributions
17:52 The Miracle on the Hudson
18:59 Aftermath and Legacy
20:34 The Plane's Journey to the Museum
23:39 Other Notable Water Landings
25:32 Impact and Reflections
28:57 Conclusion and Sign-Off

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Primary SourcesSullenberger, Chesley "Sully" and Jeffrey Zaslow. "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters" (2009) - William MorrowSource for biographical information about SullyDetails about his career and backgroundHis personal account of the incidentNational Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Aircraft Accident Report"Loss of Thrust in Both Engines After Encountering a Flock of Birds and Subsequent Ditching on the Hudson River" (2010)Technical details of the incidentTimeline of eventsCommunications transcriptsInvestigation findingsOfficial Flight 1549 Cockpit Voice Recorder TranscriptSource for direct quotes between Sully and air traffic controlCommunications during the incidentInterviews and Media CoverageCBS News "60 Minutes" Interview with Sully Sullenberger (2009)Details about the landingPost-incident reflectionPersonal impactThe Associated Press CoverageContemporary reporting of the incidentPassenger interviewsRescue operation detailsCarolinas Aviation Museum DocumentationInformation about the aircraft recoveryDetails about the museum installationCurrent state of the aircraftBooks and Documentaries"Miracle on the Hudson: Behind the Scenes of the NTSB Investigation" by Robert BenzonTechnical detailsInvestigation processAircraft recovery information"Brace for Impact: The Chesley B. Sullenberger Story" (2010 Documentary)Passenger accountsCrew testimoniesRescue operation detailsPassenger and Crew AccountsVarious news interviews with:Flight attendant Doreen WelshFlight attendant Sheila DailPassenger Jim WhitakerPassenger Barry LeonardOther survivorsAir traffic controller Patrick Harten's testimony before CongressDetails of communications during the incidentHis perspective on the eventsTechnical SourcesAirbus A320 Technical DocumentationAircraft specificationsEmergency proceduresWater landing protocolsBird Strike Committee USA ReportsInformation about bird strikes in aviationStatistics and historical context

Flight 1549: The Miracle on the Hudson | E 142

The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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