Plane Crashes into Icy Hudson River
NEW YORK CITY - 1/15/2009
UPDATE: Jan. 15 at 4:30 p.m.
According to the rescue officials, the downed plane was hit by a flock of geese which knocked out both engines. The pilot tried to turn around, but decided to make a water landing on the Hudson River. Winesses report that 146 people exited the plane and stood on the wing awaiting rescue. Divers report that they don't think anyone is left on board. There are no injuries reported at this time. However, the water temp is 35 degrees and the air temp is 21 degrees. Witnesses also say the pilot landed the plane as smoothly as if on any runway. Port autority, coast guard and other agencies assisted in rescuing passengers and crews. The plane is now beginning to sink slowly into the Hudson, but all passengers are reported off the plane.
Emergency officials in New York City are responding to a downed plane in the Hudson River. The FAA confirmed US Airways Flight 1549, an Airbus A320 headed from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, NC, was down in the river near 48th Street in midtown Manhattan, following a failed takeoff around 3:26 p.m. on Jan. 15.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also responding.
FAA Spokeswoman Laura Brown says, the plane may have been hit by birds. Details about injuries are not available at this time.
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