Passenger On Flight Happened To Be AAL Boeing 767 Pilot
Numerous passenger accounts of the ditching of US Airways Flight
1549 in the Hudson River have surfaced since
the successful forced landing executed by Captain "Sully"
Sullenberger, but few have that rare combination of
educated observer and participant in the extraordinary event.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Susan O'Donnell, an
American Airlines Boeing 767 pilot based at LaGuardia Airport, was
a passenger on Flight 1549. Here are excerpts from her first-hand
account of the experience, as released by the Allied Pilots
Association:
I was a jumpseat rider seated in
First Class on Flight 1549 from LGA to CLT, which successfully
ditched in the Hudson River. I've been asked to share a few of my
experiences on that day. Although it was a stressful incident, the
successful outcome and the assistance and support I received
afterwards have been truly humbling and inspirational...
... I wasn't paying much attention
to the flight until, climbing out, there were several loud thumps
occurring roughly simultaneously along both sides of the aircraft.
"Bird strikes," I thought. A few seconds later, there was a bit of
smoke and the stench of burning bird that seemed to confirm my
guess. There was a turn to the left, and I assumed we were
returning to LGA...
The passengers were concerned but
calm. I couldn't see any part of the aircraft out the window from
my aisle seat. Although I didn't hear much that sounded encouraging
from the engines, I expected we would have at least partial thrust
with which to limp back to LGA. We rolled out of the turn, and I
could tell we were not maintaining altitude. Then we heard the PA:
"This is the Captain. Brace for impact."
Obviously we weren't returning to
LGA, and I could see enough out the window to realize we'd be
landing in the river. The flight attendants began shouting their
"brace" litanies and kept it up until touchdown. The descent seemed
very controlled, and the sink rate reasonably low. I believed the
impact would be violent but survivable, although I did consider the
alternative. The passengers remained calm and almost completely
quiet.
As we approached the water, I
braced by folding my arms against the seat back in front of me,
then putting my head against my arms. There was a brief hard jolt,
a rapid decel and we were stopped. It was much milder than I had
anticipated. If the jolt had been turbulence, I would have
described it as moderate. Thinking about it later on, I realized it
was no worse than a carrier landing...
...The evacuation up front was
orderly and swift, and we were not in the water long before being
picked up by various boats, which were extremely quick to the
scene. Many passengers were standing on the wing, going from feet
dry to nearly waist deep as the rescue progressed. They were of
course the first to be picked up by the arriving boats. I was
picked up by a large ferry boat, climbing a ladder hanging from the
bow. It didn't take long to get all passengers into the boats and
to the ferry terminals.
Once at the terminal, we were met
by police, firemen, paramedics, FBI, Homeland Security, the Red
Cross, Mayor Bloomberg, and more. Captain Sullenberger continued in
a leadership role in the aftermath, talking with the passengers,
assembling his crew and including myself and the other jumpseat
rider as members of his crew. I was impressed to note that he had
the aircraft logbook tucked under his arm.
When the Captain asked me if I
wanted to join the crew at the hotel, I told him I would really
appreciate it as I had lost my wallet. He immediately pulled out
his wallet and gave me $20. His concern for me when he had so much
else to worry about was amazing...
...After a routine evaluation,
they transported us by police car to a hotel, where rooms were
waiting. The USAPA version of our Flight Assist was also there, and
they spoke to me and offered me whatever assistance I needed, again
as if I was one of their own. The USAPA reps also brought all of us
some clothing and toiletries that they had purchased.
Captain Schafer arrived at the
hotel, bringing me some necessary items. He stayed overnight at the
hotel, making flight arrangements for me to go home the next day
and escorting me to the airport. Captain Mark Cronin from the AA NY
Flight Office met me at the departure gate, again offering
assistance and support.
I am grateful for the many calls
of concern and offers of help I have received, from fellow pilots,
union representatives and the company, and I am grateful for and
proud of the response and assistance of both USAPA and APA. I would
hope that our union would treat another airline's crewmember as
kindly as I was treated.
US Airways has also been superb,
treating me as if I was a paying passenger. I am also thankful for
the professionalism and capabilities of Captain Sullenberger, FO
Skiles and FAs Dent, Dail and Welsh. They certainly did our
profession proud, and they saved my life.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.15.24)
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