Ep 5. Hudson River Runway

On May 3rd, 2012, a routine US Airways flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina turned into a disaster. Just minutes after takeoff, the Airbus A320 collided with a flock of geese, causing both engines to fail. With no engine power to keep the plane in the air, the pilots made a split-second decision to attempt a water landing in the Hudson River.

In Mayday - Air Disasters season 10 episode 5, titled “Hudson River Runway,” viewers are taken through the events leading up to the emergency landing and the heroic efforts of the crew, first responders, and passengers to survive. Through reenactments, expert analysis, and first-hand accounts from those involved, this episode provides a comprehensive look at one of the most remarkable aviation emergencies in history.

The episode begins by providing some background on US Airways Flight 1549, discussing how it was a typical domestic flight with 150 passengers and five crew members on board. However, just a few minutes into the flight, things took a turn for the worse. A group of geese flew directly into the plane's engines, causing them both to fail. The cockpit's warning system went off, alerting the crew to the emergency.

The pilots, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, quickly assessed the situation and determined that there was no way to safely land the plane at any nearby airports. Instead, they made the decision to land the plane on the Hudson River. Over the course of several tense minutes, the crew expertly maneuvered the aircraft into position for a water landing.

Meanwhile, the passengers and cabin crew were forced to prepare for a crash landing in freezing water. They donned their life jackets and braced for impact, while those on the ground watched in stunned amazement. As the plane made impact with the water, it skipped across the surface before coming to rest in the middle of the river.

This episode of Mayday - Air Disasters goes on to explore the aftermath of the incident. Despite the incredible heroism displayed by the crew and passengers, the emergency wasn't over yet. The frigid water and strong currents made it difficult for rescuers to reach the passengers and safely bring them to shore. In total, 155 people were on board the plane, and all of them had to be rescued by boats and helicopters.

The episode also delves into the investigation that followed the emergency landing. The National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) was tasked with determining the cause of the accident and whether any lessons could be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future. Viewers will hear from experts tasked with piecing together the human and mechanical factors that contributed to the crisis.

As with all episodes of Mayday - Air Disasters, “Hudson River Runway” is a compelling look at a real-life aviation emergency. It provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the incident and the efforts of the crew, passengers, and rescuers to survive. With expert analysis, reenactments of key moments, and interviews with those involved in the emergency and the investigation, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in aviation safety and the human spirit in extreme circumstances.