Watching and photographing the wet landing of US Airways Flight 1549 from my office window!
As many of you have heard, a commercial passenger airliner made an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York City. I happened to be at our corporate offices for a meeting. The Starrett Lehigh building overlooks the Hudson River near the Chelsea Piers at 26th Street. When we became aware of this horrific problem that the jetliner was having, we postponed the meeting and gathered at the windows, overlooking this extraordinary spectacle taking place. What we witnessed was a most fabulous landing on the water, apparently saving everyone on board. If the landing had taken place on ground, or had hit buildings, it would have been a true catastrophe. Needless to say, we are so relieved and happy that everyone got off that plane safely in the freezing Hudson River waters, and we must commend everyone in the rescue mission for their quick and clear thinking and training to avert this incidence from becoming a giant disaster. Here are my photos as we watched the airliner floating down-river to where it is now secured in Battery Park in lower Manhattan.
This is truly a miracle!
I've been glued to the TV watching this. As it was happening, my son was enroute to NYC to start an internship, so it has added a little to my level of anxiety.
Thank goodness for quick thinking well trained pilot and crew!
Posted by: Diane@A Picture is worth.... | January 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Truely a miracle! Thank goodness for the talented pilot. WOW!
Posted by: clara | January 15th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Yes, truly a miracle! Your photos rival any I have seen from the news services tonight.
It seems that time and time again pilots in US commercial aircraft perform heroic tasks---they are remarkably trained and cool-headed in the face of a potential disaster.
Thanks, Martha, for sharing your vantage point---wonderful news this afternoon in a trying time.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | January 15th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Amazing!!!!!
Posted by: Arlene | January 15th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Wonderful pics Martha, so frightening when you think what could have happened. Hope your feeling well, take care.
N
Posted by: Noreen Stinson | January 15th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
What a true blessing. Thanks for your pictures
Posted by: tammy brodbeck | January 15th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I had a shocked when I saw the news, but glad to know everyone onboard is saved. Thank goodness for the brilliant pilot! Thanks for sharing the photos.
Posted by: Angie | January 15th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Simply an amazing story. What an heroic pilot and how wonderful eveyone is safe. What a shock it must have been to see this. Thanks for the photos too. You are everywhere!! Now a Papparazzi!
Love to know where you get your energy from!
Posted by: Lilly | January 15th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Thank you Martha for your insight. I was driving home from work and heard about it on the radio here in MN. Once again the wonderful people of NYC acted like true heros. In the midst of tough times people are still willing to look out for each other. With the bridge collapse in MN we were able to see how much heart people have. NYC has the same. The people on that plane were blessed to have such a competent crew. Amen to them.
Posted by: Amy | January 15th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Hi Martha, These are incredible photos of this horrific event that occured just outside your office building. I was watching the noon news on KING5 {NBC} and the special report came on at about 12:45 PM. I watched it until 1:00 and then watched your show on CBUT, a Canadian station. As I was watching the Hudson River event, the news casters said that it happened near Manhattan and the first thing I thought was could it be near your offices and did you witness it. Well, you just answered my questions! I am absolutely amazed at how well this event was handled, not only by the pilot, but by the Ferryboats and other boats that came to help. Everyone involved certainly had someone watching over them. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 15th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Very good to know that everyone seems fine. The pilot must truly be talented as clara said.
Martha, did you all see the actual touchdown/landing? Must have been quite a sight.
Letterman just showed us video of the passengers standing on the wings and tail being towed to shore.
Posted by: maureen | January 15th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Pretty good photos Martha. I knew you were overlooking the Hudson but wasn't sure from how far away your offices were from the plane going down.
Did you use your Cannon G 9 if so great pix or was this your mega Cannon with the huge lens?
Not sure you carry both with you since the big one is heavier and bulky.
It's surely a wonder the plane didn't hit some buildings, a different outcome that would have been completely.
I am amazed at our aircraft how they can endure such impacts sometimes. The crew and passengers remaining calm when wondering if this was it, if the plane would blow up, if they would get out, if they could live in the cold water long enough to be rescued, if they could swim. It's amazing how many people still do not know how to swim.
Thanks for posting these so quickly, I mean the plane about landed in your front or is it your backyard of your offices? Just wild!
How could anyone settle down after seeing this out their window to even think about meetings?
No way I would be bouncing off the walls~
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | January 15th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
They USAF trains the best! I'm just so thankful for everybody's safety! What could've been a tragedy was instead a miracle!
Posted by: Kari | January 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
To me, this blog can called "Live from New York", thank god everyone is ok. Thanks for share this with us.
Posted by: Danny C. | January 15th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Hello alert photographer,
I live on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. This story is really touching the hearts of so many people here. Thank you for sharing part of the story from you and your staff's perspective.
The pilot and cockpit crew took what they knew and rose so far above what they may have previously felt their capabilities. It is a story of action in crisis which we should take heart from. We tend to say that we could never react and then act anything like that. Wrong. We all have unknown capabilities which will respond if we just do something. The act of attempting will clear the mind to do something of benefit. I know, I saved my cousins life even though I did not quite do the correct thing.
Those ferrie boats had to be incredible in their efforts. I wonder, Martha, if you or your staff could post about what you personally saw in their response and actions.
Some of you may recall a story of an airliner in Canada running out of fuel. The pilot had gliding experience. He tried to glide the plane to Winnipeg (some 500 miles). In the end he set the plane down on an old Air Force base north of Winnipeg in the middle of drag races. The runway was long enough. Would he have landed in Lake Winnipeg?
Thank you for the blog post,
Glen
Posted by: Glen Osborne | January 15th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Perhaps you can invite the pilot to be on your show. It is refreshing to have such a happy ending to a disaster, it would be fascinating to hear his perspective.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | January 15th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Hi Martha,
Just amazing!!!! the boats surrounding the plane...
So glad to hear everyone is OK...WOW!!Truly a miracle!!
Thank you for sharing with us.
KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | January 15th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
It was wonderful the pilot handled the situation perfectly and I am sure his passengers did also. Thank heavens they were all safe. It must have been something to see.
Posted by: Paula | January 15th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Wow! amazing pics! what a spectacular view from ur office window!
Posted by: wahdi hudson | January 15th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
WOW! Truely a miracle!
What a blessing!
Rowaida
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 15th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Thank goodness that every single person knew what to do and did so with strength and grace. For instance, the flight attendants knew not to open the rear door-because that would have made the plane sink tail first. It seems something easy enough to NOT do, but I can imagine people standing by that door, knowing that *they* could get out --but didn't do so because they knew what that mean for the people still in the plane. That knowledge and strength saved so many lives.
Posted by: Christina (apronstrings) | January 16th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Amazing pictures!! Thank goodness that everyone was able to get out alive. The pilot and crew are true heroes. And there were many guardian angels watching over those people.
Posted by: Janeen | January 16th, 2009 at 3:52 am
Truly a miracle. They had a wonderful Pilot and Co-Pilot. If you saw it all from your window it must have been a horror story unfolding before your eyes and then pure joy to know everyone was safe and no one died. The Lord be praised for this miracle in New York!!
Sincerely
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | January 16th, 2009 at 4:09 am
If the pilot hadn't been so skilled, it would have been a very different set of photographs. I think you should have the pilot on your show!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | January 16th, 2009 at 4:09 am
Thank you Lord, thank you pilot and staff, thank you passengers, thank you Martha for sharing the photos. Thank you.
Posted by: Tia | January 16th, 2009 at 4:48 am
As the mother of a pilot it makes me feel proud to hear the words "proud" "hero" and "thank-full" when describing the pilots on this flight. These men and woman who fly these airliners are very well trained and work very hard to make sure we get where we are going safely. I think sometimes passengers forget how hard the pilots and stewards work to keep us safe. We focus on the delays and the kinks we face when flying everyday and not the hard work and dedication that the crew puts in on a daily basis. So I ask everyone reading this that the next time you get on a plane say Thank You to everyone from the pilots to the crew as you get off and let them know you appreciate everything they did to get you safely to your destination. Believe me it makes them feel proud to hear it from you.
Posted by: Beth Salles | January 16th, 2009 at 5:03 am
MARTHA!
OH MY GOODNESS!
YOU GOT PHOTOS OF THIS (historic) EVENT?!! I'd say that it's pretty cool, but in a way, it's not. The fact of the whole crew surviving is a true miracle! The Lord above was definitely watching over these folks yesterday! Your photos overall are beautiful of the water and skyline, but, of course, the subject matter is considerably sadder.
When I read your title for today's blog, I couldn't believe it! I'm sure these people and their families are shaken up, but, praise the Lord, they're now safe and sound. (Thank you, Lord!)
After seeing this on the news last night and this morning, and here, there is nothing else I can say today, lest it be my own insignificant ramblings...
=^..^=
"The Lord has turned all our sunsets into sunrise."--Clement of Alexandria
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | January 16th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Wow! What a miracle! Hooray for the captain and crew.
Martha, you could get a gig for CNN!!
Posted by: CottageGirl | January 16th, 2009 at 5:23 am
I think the world is relieved that there were no fatalities thanks to the skilled pilot, his crew and the passengers who helped one another. God was surely watching over all of them! Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 16th, 2009 at 5:34 am
Martha, again, thanks for the incredible pictures of yesterday's downed plane. I too am so glad no one got hurt. I second the suggestion to have the pilot on your show, STAT.
Now, would you please have a talk with the birds about staying AWAY from airplanes, please? And tell them to tell their friends!!!
Amy in Houston
Posted by: Amy in Houston | January 16th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the photographs of this amazing event. I was watching on television, but to see it right outside your window would have been something to witness! The pilot and crew and passengers as well as the rescuers and ferry workers are all to be congratulated for their actions.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | January 16th, 2009 at 5:59 am
The pilot is a hero! What an amazing job he did in landing that plane safely.
Since I live in North Carolina, we were especially tuned in to the news of the crash.
Cameron
Posted by: Cameron (Defining Your Home Garden) | January 16th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Miraculous indeed! I marvel at how well the entire happening unfolded...one terrific pilot who absolutely had to gamble and make the right decision and what appeared to be very level-headed passengers. And all the rescuers who gathered immediately.God bless you one and all!
Posted by: Sherey | January 16th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Oh, yes, Martha, thought that you would have a bird's eye view from there.
On The Today Show, Dr. Salt spoke of 'fear of flying'. I'm thinking fear of flying is also a "fear of falling".
Wow, what a day! We needed a miracle,yes? Thank God this one has a happy ending.
Posted by: tinay | January 16th, 2009 at 8:04 am
As a Us Airways 25-year veteran flight attendant I am in AWE of my colleagues! In addition to the miraculous job done by the captain and first officer in successfully ditching the aircraft, I want to acknowlege and thank the professionalism, experience and actions of the flight attendants on flight 1549! They exemplify what flight attendants should be! I am proud to call them my co-workers and will strive everyday to match their dedication and professionalism........
Next time you're on an airplane--in addtion to paying close attention to the pre-flight safety briefing you receive--take a moment to thank the flight attendants who are dedicated to assuring your safety everyday, on every flight!!
Posted by: JBrown | January 16th, 2009 at 9:17 am
This was so scary! I'm so grateful that everyone came out of this alive!!! I live in West New York, NJ. That's right by the river. It was very creepy seeing the plane in the water from my parking lot.
Posted by: Melly G | January 16th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Such an amazing story. I'm so happy everyone made it out okay.
Posted by: Patia | January 16th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures. We lost a military radar plane in 1995 killing all 24 aboard here in Alaska. The cause of the crash was running into a flock of geese on takeoff. tragic. Such a miracle that yesterday's event resulted in no loss of life.
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/anchorage/story/656692.html
Posted by: AngAK | January 16th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Martha, thanks for taking the pictures and posting them so we might all express our appreciation for the success of the crew and give a proud cheer for American spirit.
I applaud the passengers' abilities to rise to the occasion while in very deep deep crisis mode.
Posted by: Margie | January 16th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Praise the Lord that everyone was OK and that the pilot did such a fantastic job. Amazing! What a view you had. Thank you for sharing those pictures.
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | January 16th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
How lucky to have that area clear to land and a relatively happy ending for a change. The plane has visual characteristics of a stranded animal. I hear they are trying to pull it out with a couple of giant cranes. This all must be very interesting. A problem to solve that wasn't tragic - for the people, anyway. Big girls and boys with their life-sized toys. Love the beautiful melancholy winter atmosphere in those pix.
Oh, Andrew Wyeth gone. So many well-known people passing away right now. Seems like the close of an era.
Posted by: jw | January 16th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Martha, those are some great shots! Just glad that everything went OK and no one was injured. I bet you see some interesting things outside that window with that beautiful view!
Posted by: Linda | January 16th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
So surprising how small the plane looks next to the ferries and other boats. Wow. What a great job the crew did!
Posted by: Charlotte K | January 16th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Wow! That is amazing that you saw that happening. It is so great to have a good story like this once in awhile!
Posted by: Sarah | January 16th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Hi Martha, Wow you have a knack for being in the right place at the right time! I was truly relieved that everyone was OK. That pilot is a hero, as well as the crew and the passengers who helped. He must have nerves of steel!
Posted by: Tina in Boston | January 16th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Thank you for posting your pictures...you really had a front row seat to this event. Everyone concerned can truly thank God that this did not become another tragedy. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year to you and your family and staff!
Posted by: Debbie | January 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Thank you for sharing a hopeful story. I would love to see the pilot on your show. Your photography is very good.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | January 16th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Martha!!!
I totally agree!!! that pilot is a hero in the lives of those families and the passengers on board that plane. Fantastic photos!!!
David
Connecticut
Posted by: David | January 16th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
My goodness, what a sight to capture on film! How amazing that there were no fatalities or major injuries ... thank God!!!
Posted by: dawn | January 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
The pilot and his crew are utter heroes! How amazing to have seen it happen! Thank goodness that everyone survived without serious injuries, they were truly blessed.
Posted by: Liz@VioletPosy | January 17th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Very cool shots. What an amazing rescue!
Posted by: lauri (lalei design) | January 17th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Martha,
A true miracle and to witness it must have been amazing! Thank God for this true blessing!
Many thanks to the brave crew and Capt. Sully, the many NY ferry crews, boats and port authorities for saving everyone aboard!
Great photos, Martha!
Thanks for sharing.
Paula M.
Posted by: Paula M. | January 17th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Martha...
I must say the photos you took are truly amazing...
Sometimes when we see something on the news it doesn't always seem real... but you put a humane perspective on what could have been a tremendous tragedy...
I am thrilled that everyone is safe ... I can not imagine what must have been going through the minds of all involved... along with that came true heroes from the pilot ....whose quick thinking landed the plane into the water .... on down to all the people involved with a most stunning rescue ...
JO
Posted by: JO | January 17th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
This is really an amazing incident. Accolades go to pilot who was able to maintain a cool head in such a tense situation. He single handedly prevented a big catastrophe from happening.
http://SaveFewBucks.Blogspot.com
Posted by: Ishan | January 18th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Wow, that must of been surreal to see that unfold before your eyes. It is truly a miracle.
Posted by: Nancy | January 21st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Garrison Keillor wrote a beautiful song honoring and paying tribute to the Crew of US Airways flight 1549. It can he heard at his website there is a link to the show from Louisville KY where it was performed live it is truly worth a listen
Posted by: hardboiledegg | January 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Amazing Pictures!! Terrific view!
Posted by: Maria | December 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Hopefully getting out of Ocracoke wasn't necessarily needed and Hurricane Earl simplystays out at in the ocean. Let's hope for it.
Posted by: Desmond Gindhart | September 6th, 2010 at 4:59 pm