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The Airbus A320 has a ditching button that closes all valves and openings underneath the aircraft to slow the rate of flooding
Chesley B. Sullenberger III, the US Airways pilot who made an emergency landing in the Hudson, left. At right, he is seen during his days as an Air Force Academy cadet.
By landing successfully on water, the captain "achieved one of the rarest and most technically challenging feats in commercial aviation,“ A board member of the NTSB stated that it "has to go down as the most successful ditching in aviation history."
Some passengers screamed, others tucked their heads between their knees, and several prayed over and over, “Lord, forgive me for my sins.
Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III, age 58, joined US Airways (PSA Airlines) in 1980. He has a total of 19,663 flight hours.
First officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, age 49, joined US Airways (USAir) in 1986. He has a total of 15,643 flight hours.
Flight Attendant Sheila Dail, age 57, joined US Airways (Piedmont Airlines) in 1980 and has more than 28 years experience with the airline.
Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh, age 58, joined US Airways (Allegheny Airlines) in 1970 and has more than 38 years experience with the airline.
Flight Attendant Donna Dent, age 51, joined US Airways (Piedmont Airlines) in 1982 and has more than 26 years experience with the airline.
A flight attendant broke a leg, but most people were unharmed except for suffering from the cold. Ferries rescued passengers from the wings, where they stood in 20 degree Fahrenheit weather, their feet dipping into water of 41 degrees F.
As the plane began sinking, Sullenberger walked the aisle twice to make sure no one was left behind, Bloomberg said.
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