Meet Sully Sullenberger: He landed a plane on Hudson, saving 155 lives; gets top honour

Image: Shutterstock/ Wikipedia Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York’s Hudson River after a bird strike caused an almost complete loss of thrust in both engines, has been inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The September 24, 2026, induction came 17 years after the emergency landing that became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”. All 155 people aboard the Airbus A320 survived the ditching. Sullenberger’s Hall of Fame recognition also reflects a career spanning more than four decades, including military service, commercial aviation, pilot training and advocacy for aviation safety.How Captain Sully Sullenberger landed the plane on the Hudson RiverOn January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 departed New York’s LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. Captain Sullenberger was in command, with First Officer Jeffrey Skiles alongside him. Shortly after take-off, the Airbus A320 encountered a flock of Canada geese. The birds struck the aircraft at low altitude, causing severe damage to both engines and an almost complete loss of thrust. Sullenberger and Skiles immediately b...