Lecture Notes on Hudson River Water Landing Incident

Overview

• Incident involved the forced water landing of a plane in the Hudson River.
• Significant factors:
  • Dual engine loss at 2800 feet.
  • Immediate water landing with 155 souls on board.

Key Points

• Unique Incident:

  • No prior training for dual engine loss at such a low altitude.
  • Simulator tests suggested a possibility of returning to the airport, which was proven not possible.

• Captain's Experience:

  • Captain Stolberg's perspective on the incident:
    • Felt the plane's failure firsthand.
    • Expressed feelings of doubt and responsibility for passenger safety.
  • Emphasized the importance of the decisions made in a very short time frame (208 seconds).

• Public Perception:

  • Captain Stolberg was labeled a hero but did not feel deserving of the title.
  • He expressed discomfort with the media attention following the event.

Incident Response

• Immediate Actions:

  • Captain Stolberg instructed passengers to "Brace for impact" and ensured safety protocols were followed.
  • A headcount was initiated post-landing to check on passengers and crew.

• Aftermath:

  • Reflection on the captain's long career in aviation contrasted with the scrutiny he faced after the incident.
  • Importance of support from crew and effective communication during emergencies.

Conclusion

• The incident serves as a critical case study in aviation safety and emergency management.
• The human element in crisis situations significantly impacts outcomes.