9 Crazy Air Disasters Where Everyone Survives | Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation・2 minutes read

Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skyles execute a successful emergency water landing on the Hudson River after losing engine power due to bird strikes, ensuring the safety of all 150 passengers and crew onboard. A series of challenging circumstances and decisions lead to a miraculous outcome, with no fatalities despite the intense emergency situation.

Insights

  • Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skyles successfully land US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after losing engine power, ensuring the safety of all 150 passengers and crew.
  • Investigators uncover that the fly-by-wire system malfunctioned, sending rogue commands that led to erratic movements on the plane, highlighting the critical role of thorough post-incident analysis in preventing future disasters.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How did Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skyles handle engine failure?

    The pilots realized the plane wouldn't make it to an airport without engine power, leading them to make a ditching on the water due to engine failure.

  • What was the risky maneuver required for landing the plane on a narrow levee?

    A risky maneuver known as a side slip was required to position the plane for landing on the narrow levee parallel to a canal.

  • How did the crew of Northwest 85 prepare for an emergency landing at Anchorage International Airport?

    The crew successfully landed the plane, guiding it with precision to avoid shooting off the runway, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

  • What caused erratic movements on the plane during the flight?

    Investigators discovered that the fly-by-wire system sent rogue commands, causing erratic movements on the plane during the flight.

  • How did all 150 passengers and crew of US Airways Flight 1549 survive the emergency landing?

    US Airways Flight 1549 lost engine power due to bird strikes, leading to a successful emergency landing on the Hudson River, with all 150 passengers and crew rescued safely.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Miraculous ditching on narrow levee saves passengers.

  • Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skyles realize the plane won't make it to an airport without engine power.
  • A violent thunderstorm catches the pilots off guard as they descend in New Orleans.
  • The crew decides to make a ditching on the water due to engine failure.
  • Captain Dardano plans to land the plane on a narrow levee parallel to a canal.
  • A risky maneuver known as a side slip is required to position the plane for landing.
  • The plane lands smoothly on the narrow levee, avoiding the water.
  • Northwest 85 passengers and crew prepare for an emergency landing at Anchorage International Airport.
  • The crew successfully lands the plane, guiding it with precision to avoid shooting off the runway.
  • Hurricane hunters navigate through Hurricane Hugo, seeking a safe exit point.
  • Investigators discover the fly-by-wire system sent rogue commands, causing erratic movements on the plane.

22:26

Miraculous Plane Evacuations: Stories of Survival

  • George Ishizaki watches a plane disaster unfold, capturing it on his camcorder, as the pilots prepare for evacuation.
  • All 157 passengers are evacuated safely from the burning plane, with the pilots prioritizing safety.
  • Despite the potential danger, all 165 people on Cathay Pacific Flight 780 escape unharmed after a series of engine failures.
  • US Airways Flight 1549 loses engine power due to bird strikes, leading to a successful emergency landing on the Hudson River, with all 150 passengers and crew rescued.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.