The Hudson River airplane land scenario, also known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” involved US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320-214, which made an unpowered ditching on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. This comprehensive analysis delves into the mechanics and procedures involved in the successful emergency landing.
What were the Ditching Mechanics of the Hudson River Airplane Land?
The ditching mechanics of the Hudson River airplane land played a crucial role in the successful outcome of the incident. Let’s explore the key factors:
What was the Air Speed and Impact Dynamics?
The plane ditched at a calibrated airspeed of 125 knots (140 mph; 230 km/h) with a 9.5° pitch angle, a flight path angle of -3.4°, and an angle of attack between 13° and 14°. This relatively slow speed and controlled descent helped minimize the damage and ensured a more stable landing on the water.
How did the Plane Descend and Touch Down?
The plane descended southwards at about 125 knots (140 mph; 230 km/h) into the middle of the North River section of the Hudson tidal estuary. The descent rate was 750 feet per minute (fpm), which is relatively slow compared to other emergency landings.
How did the Crew Prepare and Follow Safety Protocols?
The crew’s actions and adherence to safety protocols were crucial in ensuring the successful outcome of the Hudson River airplane land.
What Safety Briefings and Procedures were Followed?
The crew, led by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, followed standard emergency procedures, including instructing passengers to “brace for impact”. Passengers were advised to assume the proper brace position, which includes knees together, feet flat on the floor, body bent forward as far as possible with arms wrapped under the legs or braced against the seat in front of them.
How did the Crew Utilize the Available Equipment?
The crew deployed the inflatable slide raft from the front right passenger door, which served as an evacuation route for passengers. Life vests were available, but not all passengers used them, as some chose to stand on the wings or swim away from the plane.
What Actions did the Crew Take?
Captain Sullenberger walked the cabin twice to confirm it was empty after the evacuation. The crew ensured that passengers were prepared for the impact and evacuation, which contributed to the successful rescue of all onboard.
What were the Relevant Calculations and Data?
The following key data points were relevant to the Hudson River airplane land:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Descent Rate | 750 feet per minute (fpm) |
| Pitch Angle | 9.5° |
| Flight Path Angle | -3.4° |
| Angle of Attack | Between 13° and 14° |
| Air Speed | 125 knots (140 mph; 230 km/h) |
References
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National Transportation Safety Board. (2010). Loss of Thrust in Both Engines After Encountering a Flock of Birds and Subsequent Ditching on the Hudson River, US Airways Flight 1549, Airbus A320-214, N106US, Weehawken, New Jersey, January 15, 2009. Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-10/03. Washington, DC. https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR1003.pdf
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Wikipedia. (2024). US Airways Flight 1549. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Airways_Flight_1549
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ThinkReliability. (n.d.). Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson” – Cause Map. Retrieved from https://dev.thinkreliability.com/case_studies/flight-1549-miracle-on-the-hudson-cause-map/.