US Airways A320 Down in NYC Hudson River

[Matt Molnar]

Saturday update:

* The left engine was fished out of the river yesterday. It was found near 52nd St. NY Times has a neat story (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/24/nyregion/24river.html) about how the NYPD used maps of the river bottom made by environmental officials, along with help from FBI experts who helped search for space shuttle Columbia wreckage.

* Assemblyman David Weprin of Queens has a truly brilliant idea: legalize goose hunting at NYC airports (http://www.nypost.com/seven/01242009/news/regionalnews/goose_down_engine_gets_once_over_151638.htm). Because we need less birds flying at the airport and more bullets. What could go wrong?! What an effing tool.

[LGA777]

To add to Gotham's Saturday update the Captains hometown of Danville, California is having their celebration in honor of Sully today 1PM PST/ 4PM EST CNN said it would be covered live. I understand at Sully's request the parade in his honor will be changed to something more low key, I guess somekind of ceremony instead. I would not be surprised if we see a large turnout.

Regards

LGA777

[emshighway]

Many rumors are spreading, hopefully the media doesn't eat their own words when everything is said and done.

?? Can you elaborate?

[Planesntrains]

I understand at Sully's request the parade in his honor will be changed to something more low key, I guess somekind of ceremony instead.

Apparently he really didn't want anything at all. I watched the live shots on CNN, and he was really humble. He seems like a legitimately nice guy. It really increased my respect for the guy when he said, direct quote, "...it was just circumstance that this crew, was on that flight, on that day. And I think I can speak for the entire crew when I say we merely did were the job that we were trained to do."

That says it all right there, imho. :wink:

[Matt Molnar]

Sunday update:

* NTSB's initial inspection of the left engine indicates blade damage consistent with a bird strike.
* NY Times has a great story about the Smithsonian's bird lab (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/science/25birds.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp), which analyzed samples from 4,600(!) bird strikes last year.

[LGA777]

For anyone interested here is CNN's coverge of Sully's hometown celebration, and I agree with Planesntrains coments, Sully's seems to be the real deal.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/califo ... nnSTCVideo (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/24/california.pilot.welcome/index.html#cnnSTCVideo)

In a bit of irony as I was typing this a decent size white bird flew right into the glass of our tower with a big thump, but it seemed unscathed and returned to flight.

Regards

LGA777

[T-Bird76]

* Assemblyman David Weprin of Queens has a truly brilliant idea: legalize goose hunting at NYC airports. Because we need less birds flying at the airport and more bullets. What could go wrong?! What an effing tool.

Port already hunts birds at the airports and does shoot them when need be so this is already covered. Port calls it "Bird Duty."

[Matt Molnar]

Port already hunts birds at the airports and does shoot them when need be so this is already covered. Port calls it "Bird Duty."
Not only that, but the birds that 1549 encountered were 3,000 feet up...they clearly had not taken off and were not flying toward our airports. For all we know they were flying BOS-FLL.

[T-Bird76]

Port already hunts birds at the airports and does shoot them when need be so this is already covered. Port calls it "Bird Duty."
Not only that, but the birds that 1549 encountered were 3,000 feet up...they clearly had not taken off and were not flying toward our airports. For all we know they were flying BOS-FLL.

So what you're saying is we need to use some SAMs to take care of the bird problem?

[PhilDernerJr]

There actually used to be SAMs set up at LGA during WW2. Maybe we should bring them back.

[Derf]

Nike Missles are better...the Nuclear tipped missiles would take out the entire flock! :lol:

[G-BOAD]

Nike Missles are better...the Nuclear tipped missiles would take out the entire flock! :lol:
...among other things :wink:

[DHG750R]

Just in case you havent heard. Sully and crew will be interviewed for 60 minutes, airing Feb 8th.

[USAF Pilot 07]

Port already hunts birds at the airports and does shoot them when need be so this is already covered. Port calls it "Bird Duty."
Not only that, but the birds that 1549 encountered were 3,000 feet up...they clearly had not taken off and were not flying toward our airports. For all we know they were flying BOS-FLL.

Also, no one is shooting a bird 3000 feet high....

[Planesntrains]

Also, no one is shooting a bird 3000 feet high....

Any volunteers for service in a bi-plane armed with a couple of good bird guns?? :P

[emshighway]

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j12/emshighway/Goosama.jpg

[Pablo M 201]

http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/ ... php?t=7746 (http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7746)

Found those at a forum that I am part of. I think these are some real great photos showing how they pulled out that A320.

[TallDutch]

Sources close to the investigation of the US Airways Flight 1549 ditching say the Airbus A320's left engine continued to run at about 35% fan speed (N1) during the 3min window between striking birds at 3,200ft (975m) and setting down on the Hudson river.

More info can be found here:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... rical.html

[moose135]

Today in Jersey City, with "wings 'n things" removed:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464686565_8wYZv-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464685401_VxjgA-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464685714_fNof8-L.jpg

The starboard wing (upside-down) placed on a flatbed trailer. You can see the #2 engine pylon, and one of the landing gear tires:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464686124_6xpLJ-L.jpg

Couple of guys went up on this lift, and looked to have made two or three cuts in the upper fuselage with this saw. At one point, I saw one of the guys take a couple of whacks at it with some type of claw hammer.
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464685909_DZnsi-L.jpg

You can see the port wing on another flatbed behind the fuselage.
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/464686849_tVofP-L.jpg

While I there, I saw a News12 New Jersey reporter and cameraman setting up, so I walked over to see if they knew of anything special about to happen, like moving the fuselage or something. Instead, the reporter started asking me about photographing the airplane, and she ended up interviewing me on camera. I don't know if it will make TV, and since I don't live in NJ or have Cablevision service, I won't be able to see it, but if anyone does, let me know how it came out.

[mirrodie]

a decent size white bird flew right into the glass of our tower with a big thump, but it seemed unscathed and returned to flight.

at first I thought this hysterical.... But a few weeks prior to 154, a pigeon just crashlanded outside hte front office door and simply died.

Perhaps this is hte itp of hte iceberg! LOL


Seriously, I happened to have the TV on when Sullenberger did hte hometown thing. Very succinct and brief. HIs wife had more to saw. Very good presence.

[LGA777]

Nice shots again Moose, thanks. For those that have not heard here is the latest appearance for the crew of 1549, pretty big one, courtesy of US Daily (US employee daily news update).

HERE COMES THE SUPER BOWL!
Flight 1549 Crew to be honored during Opening Ceremony

The NFL will salute the military and the heroic crew of US Airways Flight 1549 during Super Bowl XLIII pregame festivities at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay live on NBC on Feb. 1.


Film crews from 60 MINS where in the Terminal on Friday morning filming segments to be aired with the crew interview on Feb 8th.

Regards

LGA777

[ChrisW]

Found these photos on Flickr:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3241698949_c81f056a12.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3242531038_63f0ec35c3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3241668211_1ec1b60c98.jpg

More: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30676033@N00/

[Matt Molnar]

Apparently they attempted to drive it over a bridge in Newark but the fuselage was too tall and it hit the top of the bridge! They had to back it down and take another route.

More photos and story here: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009 ... t_cra.html (http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/01/photos_us_airways_jet_that_cra.html)

[Gerard]

Apparently they attempted to drive it over a bridge in Newark but the fuselage was too tall and it hit the top of the bridge! They had to back it down and take another route.

More photos and story here: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009 ... t_cra.html (http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/01/photos_us_airways_jet_that_cra.html)

That must have looked very cool coming down the street. Surprised Fred and John werent with the escort snapping away. :lol: :lol:

[Speedbird1]

Great photos. How did you know in advance of the route of the Airbus? There were many different routes through Jersey City that could have been taken. Where was the final destination? I heard rumors that the aircraft would be dismantled but why would that be necessary?

[PhilDernerJr]

Who are you asking? No one here took those photos.

[Pablo M 201]

Apparently they attempted to drive it over a bridge in Newark but the fuselage was too tall and it hit the top of the bridge! They had to back it down and take another route.

More photos and story here: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009 ... t_cra.html (http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/01/photos_us_airways_jet_that_cra.html)
Sad thing is, I was home all day on saturday, and I don't live far from where they moved the plane through, coming as close as 5 long blocks away from me.

Oh boy do I have a headache now......

[Speedbird1]

Nice photos here. Does anybody know what happened to the tail fin? It evidently was removed at the Jersey City dock. Will the tail fin re-join the fuselage? Where was the aircraft taken? I think she's somewhere in Harrison at a salvage yard. I hope she's not scrapped.

[cancidas]

I hope she's not scrapped.
99.999% chance that after the NTSB investigation is done she will be scrapped. the airframe was under water for a long period of time and would require some very intensive maintenence to get running again. i doubt a simple "D" check would even be enough.

[PhilDernerJr]

There is zero on the aircraft that can be salvaged. The FAA wouldn't allow it after the water damage, and everything would need replacement anyway.

Unless it's saved for a museum, which is HIGHLY doubtful, it will be scrapped.

[moose135]

In addition to a bunch of photos and memories of this, I now have one more souvenir. Today, the post office brought me a NYC Red Light Violation notice. Seems that on the Thursday night of the crash, I got caught by a camera on the West Side Highway as I was heading to Battery Park City to photograph the plane. :(

[cancidas]

In addition to a bunch of photos and memories of this, I now have one more souvenir. Today, the post office brought me a NYC Red Light Violation notice. Seems that on the Thursday night of the crash, I got caught by a camera on the West Side Highway as I was heading to Battery Park City to photograph the plane. :(
i hate those damn things.... i'd frame it along with a picture of the airplane moose.

[Speedbird1]

If nothing is salvageable, what about Capt. Sully's overdue library book in the cargo hold ? Imagine the late fees he would get? Actually the library said he would be forgiven for not returning the book. I wonder what the book was? Hopefully, he will answer that question during the Couric interview.

[lijk604]

If nothing is salvageable, what about Capt. Sully's overdue library book in the cargo hold ? Imagine the late fees he would get? Actually the library said he would be forgiven for not returning the book. I wonder what the book was? Hopefully, he will answer that question during the Couric interview.

I read in the Daily News yesterday "although they would not release the title of the book, it was a book on ethics." The fact that he called the library to report that it would not be returned on time, shows the man had no ethical problems.

[LGA777]

Being that library book if ever recovered will not be in to good of shape I read the library has ordered a new replacement copy that will be dedicated to Sully. Perhaps if it is ever recovered maybe if at least the cover is intact they could put in a small glass inclosed display case as I am sure it would draw a lot of interest.

Regards,

LGA777

[Gerard]

>The world saw the NYPD at its best last week, when two police divers were lowered from an unmarked Bell 412EP police helicopter into the frigid waters of the Hudson River to save passengers from US Air Flight 1549.
What the world didn’t realize was that both the NYPD’s $12 million rescue helicopters — and, sources said, at least one of its four patrol helicopters — were out of service. <

Well I just listened to the Class B audio on the day of the aircraft crash and GUESS WHAT..... both of the NYPDs Bell 412s werent out of
service. At the 36 minute mark of the tape Aviation 12 contacts LGA tower, inbound to the incident and worked the scene but stayed
above and away since there were already 4 helos working low level. This reporter makes a big deal but in reality he had no clue and was off base in that allegation!!! :x Dope!!

[emshighway]

Goose vs. engine
http://www.filecabi.net/video/gooseengine.html

[Gerard]

> This reporter makes a big deal but in reality he had no clue and was off base in that allegation!!! :x Dope!![/quote]<

I really shouldnt be so harsh with the reporter, Mr. Len Levitt. After I wrote the above post I decided to send him an email (without the insults) and he replied quickly and in a very professional manner. He admitted he wrote the story based on what his source told him and he (Levitt)wasnt an aviation/technical person. He then ran by his source what I said about PD 12 being airborne and the source wrote back to him that "The person writing to you has no idea what they are talking about". :) Oh really? My next email I sent him the
links to the FAA Class B tapes AND transcripts of that day. Mr. Levitt thanked me for that and said he would "Sort it out". He also
asked if I was a pilot (PD or otherwise) so I gave him a little background on my love of aviation and also informed him of this great
forum where the discussion of N23FH being used as an Air/Sea Rescue ship during 1549 began and how I learned about his website and the story of PDs12 & 14 supposedly being grounded. So i wouldnt be surprised if he visited and took a tour. :)

[Speedbird1]

I thought I might possibly run into Capt. Sullenberger and his crew yesterday. I was in Midtown and passed-by the CBS studios but alas, I must have missed them. There were lots of guards standing nearby. I would like to shake his hand; a real American hero.

[PhilDernerJr]

GI Joe!

[MarkLawrence]

According to CNN.com, Capt. Sullenberger is on Larry King at 9pm this evening...

[LGA777]

According to CNN.com, Capt. Sullenberger is on Larry King at 9pm this evening...

That is correct Mark, entire crew is on Larry King at 9, repeat at 12m, and they are also on Letterman tonight.

While my personal involoment in the first minutes of this event make me probably more interested than many, I still think many in the industry and hobby would find these interviews interesting, I found the 60 mins and CBS early show interviews very much so, and very well done!

Regards

LGA777

[PhilDernerJr]

I missed Katie Couric the other night. Any of these interviews on YouTube or anywhere?

[DHG750R]

The entire 60mins interview is here

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4784194n

:borat:

[Derf]

MANY RECOVERY PICS....INSIDE THE AIRCRAFT SHOTS AFTER!!!!
http://www.stephenmallon.com/gallery.html?gallery=The%20salvage%20of%20flight%2 01549

[cancidas]

nice find fred, that's a great gallery...


the same photog also has a lot of shots of the concorde when it was being hoisted onto the barge it's on at the intrepid...

[mirrodie]

Fantastic find, Fred!

I could not swing seeing Larry King or anything else besies Couric.

But I heard a soundbyte this AM from Letterman, where Letterman asks something to the effect, to the copilot, "So while he was flying, it was your job to restart the engines?"

To which the copilot said, somewhat comically, "Yes. I failed." Laughter ensued. Great clip

[MarkLawrence]

I watched both Larry King and Letterman - Larry King - it was the factual side - with the human impact - it was a good watch - Letterman - I loved! It was more of a light hearted interview (as Mario eluded to above in the clip) and it was great to see them smiling a lot more and having a little fun with the interview. If anyone can see the Letterman again on YouTube or something like that - watch it - it's great!

[LGA777]

I believe the 1549 crew media blitz has ended, I am sure the crew is ready for a break and looking forward to the start of their lives getting back a little closer to life before January 15th.

For those still interested, the pre-recorded Larry King "Live ?" that was shown Tuesday night was actually part 1 of a two parter. Part two airs tonight Wed 2-11 at 900P EST and will re-run again at 1200M. This one will include more passengers from the flight in NYC, different folks from the 60 mins group in CLT.

Should be interesting for those still interested.

Regards

LGA777

[Matt Molnar]

New tidbits:

A headline from today's Post: DUPRE ON 'SULLY': 'I ONLY WANT HIM TO FLY MY PLANE': SPITZER HOOKER NAMES HERO PILOT AS VALENTINE CRUSH (http://www.nypost.com/seven/02142009/entertainment/fashionweek/ashley_aims_high_155153.htm)

Sully gets his own cocktail: New Yorkers wanting to offer their own toast to the "hero pilot" Sully Sullenberger now have their chance. For $11 you can order "The Sully," which is two shots of Grey Goose and a splash of water (not from the Hudson). The drink, complete with a miniature airplane garnish, is being poured exclusively at the Half Pint in the Village.

[mirrodie]

Well, we are the locals.


Anyone up for drinks this weekend? At the Half Pint?

[LGA777]

Sully made the cover of People !

http://www.people.com/people/article/0, ... 24,00.html (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20258824,00.html)

Was actually a pretty decent article with a few nice photos of the crew.

And for you animal lovers another side to the Sullenbergers.

http://www.peoplepets.com/news/hero/us- ... hero-too/1 (http://www.peoplepets.com/news/hero/us-airways-pilot-is-an-animal-hero-too/1)


Regards

LGA777

[emshighway]

imDFSnklB0k&feature=popular

[DennyB]

Today I was forwarded some pictures of the fuselage of N106US being transported through East Rutherford, NJ. That's what the caption claimed anyway.

I might assume it went to TEB but as a former resident I can't see why they would route that way to get there or what suitable facilities would be there.

[moose135]

Today I was forwarded some pictures of the fuselage of N106US being transported through East Rutherford, NJ. That's what the caption claimed anyway.

I might assume it went to TEB but as a former resident I can't see why they would route that way to get there or what suitable facilities would be there.
No, it was taken up to a salvage facility in Harrison, NY - I assume the NTSB was finished with it.

[njgtr82]

Today I was forwarded some pictures of the fuselage of N106US being transported through East Rutherford, NJ. That's what the caption claimed anyway.

I might assume it went to TEB but as a former resident I can't see why they would route that way to get there or what suitable facilities would be there.
No, it was taken up to a salvage facility in Harrison, NY - I assume the NTSB was finished with it.

Its with the Challenger that crashed into the wherehouse a few years ago at TEB. The challenger might be removed now that the lawsuits are settled.

[LGA777]

I had read the that Sully had a book deal in the works but it now appears he actually has two.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29796622/?GT1=43001

On a side note after attending the Airline Collectibles event at the LGA Marriott Cortyard Hotel yesterday I was a little surprised to see a decent sized plaque near the front desk honoring the crew of US 1549, there where pictures of Sully, Mark, and Donna Dent, when staying at the hotel, which seemed very proud to have them as guests.

Regards

LGA777

[mirrodie]

I plan on reading one of the books when the time comes.

I have nothing but respect and pride for the guy. But lately I felt a bit annoyed that he's become the posterchild for Pilots, unions and the rest of it.

I think it was a few weeks ago he was in Congress and the subject came up. While he's a hero, I fail to see how they are trying to connect it with union talk.

Nothing but respect and admiration for him but I think the union talk should be separate from the events that day.

[JFK31right]

With Cell phones you can hit a cell site all over. If a person calling the airplane down hits a NJ cell site. The 911 operator will need what city is the caller in. The Hudson River is huge. It runs from NYC to upstate NY. Police and fire dept's need the exact location not just Hudson river.
The plane went over the GWB before landing in the water. A person calling from the GWB might hit a Westchester County cell site and Get a Westchester Police operator. Now Could Westchester Police units see the crash site from Yonkers? NO, could they see it from the Tappan zee Bridge, NO! That why it is necessary to ask what city. Could NYC units see the crash site from Brooklyn, NO! Could NJ units see the plane from Lodi or West NY, NO!
Why send units all over the place to look for a downed plane instead of asking for a more direct location. Time is of the essence. They need to find the plane fast in order to save lives.
911 operators are the lifeline connecting the public to Fire/EMS and Police dept's. We need to ask questions that might seem obvious to you. But need to be asked in order to send the proper units to the correct location.


Ed,
FDNY EMS
Dispatcher

No, I did not dispatch the crash

[PhilDernerJr]

Actually a good post, Ed. Thanks! Welcome to the site.

[emshighway]

911 operators are the lifeline connecting the public to Fire/EMS and Police dept's. We need to ask questions that might seem obvious to you. But need to be asked in order to send the proper units to the correct location.


Ed,
FDNY EMS
Dispatcher

No, I did not dispatch the crash

As long as you ask the questions on the Kardex :wink:

[LGA777]

Here is a fascinating but very long article about US 1549 from the June issue of vanity fair, and there is some interesting stuff not previously seen in other articles. Allow about 20 mins if you want to read, will be worth it for many of you, especially the pilots in the group.

http://www.vanityfair.com/style/feature ... rentPage=1 (http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2009/06/us_airways200906?currentPage=1)

Enjoy,

LGA777

[DHG750R]

Thats quite an account, I particularly like the last line. "the Airbus floated nose-high in the river, still refusing to die."

Well done ship 106..

[hiss srq]

A little late to the race but I just wanted to put out there that I am very proud to say that I worked for USAirways at LGA and can call everyone from USAirways former co workers. Well done, bravo and cheers. :borat:

[Matt Molnar]

On that note, I'll share something interesting I saw the other day... a car parked on my street with the license plate SULY1549.

[PhilDernerJr]

Wow. 1549 survivor maybe?

[Matt Molnar]

Wow. 1549 survivor maybe?
I was wondering, could be. I've only seen it once, not sure if the guy lives there. If I see the owner I'll definitely ask.

[mirrodie]

Or one of us jet geeks ;)


Love people on here drive with ILUVSWA plates. WTF?!