A plane crash with a happy ending? I don't really know what to say except, "Wow."

Moments after taking off from LaGuardia Airport, a U.S. Airways jet with more than 150 passengers and crew members crashed into the Hudson River this afternoon. Rescue crews pulled everyone on the North Carolina-bound flight to safety. No deaths or serious injuries were immediately reported.

Minutes before the crash, the pilot reported a "double bird strike" that disabled both the plane's engines. Passengers describe the actions of the pilot as "heroic."

If you witnessed the crash or rescue effort, send us your story along with your first name and neighborhood. Do you feel safe flying in New York or living near our airports?

Send us your thoughts using the link above.

I haven't flown since 1988, but no, I don't feel safe flying from New York's airports, especially LaGuardia, which is constantly under siege from the waters around it.

Bruce
Upper West Side
Manhattan

Today's temperature probably was a factor for today's crash, but luckily not one was hurt, and many passengers I imagine, scared with reasons. The flying business should make sure their planes are in peak performance and not release them for the sake of making a buck. All planes should conduct a major tune up to make sure that the aircraft does not have no "unexpected double bird strike" or anything. Planes I think are overworked. Kudos for the pilot, I always thank them when I travel as well as flight attendants.

Anna
Kips Bay

I do feel very safe in New York. the pilot, as you saw, was very intelligible, and landed safely onto the Hudson River. Gladly no people were killed. This makes me feel safer because people are knowledgable at what they are doing and they are quick to help in the effort.

Queens
Mario

The pilot should be commended in every manner for doing such an excellent job at landing the plane so perfectly.

Barbara C
Flushing

the pilot did a great job. With the number of flights in the air you are safer in the air than on the road.

Tom
Richmondtown

I've been glued to the TV screen for a long time observing the coverage of the US Airways accident (not, I repeat not, crash).

Having worked for many years in the airline industry and having written telecommunications sections of airline emergency manuals for New York Air and Virgin Atlantic, I look at these events with perhaps more interest and a different perspective than the general audience.

The first thing that hits me about these events is just how fast the airline responds. Two things must happen immediately: a qualified spokesman must meet the press and a phone number for family members must be released. US Airways responded too slowly in my opinion.

Congratulations go to the crew, especially whoever was at the controls. It was not a miracle, it was a case of skill and rational thought.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

Ever since September 11, I have had fears of flying, but with the security we have and lack of terrorist attacks, I have felt much safer. With the crash today in the Hudson River, my fears have slightly regressed and I feel that the FAA and our city government aren't using all their resources and technology to keep us safer. Whatever caused that plane to crash could have been foreseen and our precious technologies could have been used to prevent it. Thank God no one was killed. I believe we must always do all we can to stay a step ahead of tragedy.

Sincerely,
Brandon Queens

First, I am thankful, glad, and relieved that all passengers survived. Second, thanks to the pilot and his quick thinking and the people who came along to help rescue the passengers. Third, I think the NYC airports are safe however, this is my first time learning about the seriousness that hitting a bird can cause. Hopefully, plane engines will be strong enough to with stand the impact of hitting birds.

Delores

It is just so weird that such an event comes at a time of financial distress among New Yorkers, putting our lives into perspective.

Bravo to the dedicated flight crew and captain in navigating a safe calculated ditching; Bravo to NY Waterways, to the Police, Coast Guard, Harbor patrol, Seals and every EMS technician and dedicated professionals and rescuers for doing their job diligently, speedily and flawlessly.

They say New Yorkers are crumudgeons with short fuses and shorter patience, but in a time of ultimate crisis, their actions speak far louder than words. Their tough crass exterior is matched by a tough actions in hard times, and they are the most caring people in the world when all is on the line.

David
Lakewood NJ

To tell you the truth, ever since 9/11 happened, the airport security is not to its' highest compacity as they should be. I think if they upgraded their technology, things like this would not occur. Thank God that the pilot at least flew the plane into the river and not into a building!

Daniel, Maspeth

Please, let's not forget that there are 2 pilots that deserve the
credit in this situation. The Airbus 320 is a 2 pilot (Captain and
First Officer) aircraft. Both pilots would have had to work together
perfectly to pull this off. Thankfully, they did. They both deserve
our gratitude!

Josh D.

I think that the pilot should receive a medal for saving the whole plane. He was a genius. He deserves more than a medal.

Patricia D

As an airplane fanatic, I have three comments on the
situation.
1. The Airbus A-320 really is a fantastic plane to have survived the landing.
2. If the engines had been thee first part of the plane to hit the water, the plane would not have survived.
3. The pilot must have been really good. He was able to land the plane at just the right angle.

Sacha
Upper West Side

It seems to me that the ferry crews aren't getting enough recognition for their work. They got to the passengers in minutes and prevented potential death and injury from exposure, after the crash. First responders are great, but in an emergency we all have to remember that we are ALL responsible for helping each other.

Rob
Gramercy

My hats off to the pilot he is truly an angel and I thank god that everyone made... I'm one who neva flew before and I'm so pumped to fly because I know that I will be in good hands :-)

shafawn
the bronx

WE GIVE THANKS TO THE PILOT FOR HIS COURAGE AND BRAVERY, BUT WE MUST GIVE GOD THE GLORY.

NAFEESA

We think the city should have a parade in honor of the pilot, crew and rescue workers.
Amazing people.

Laurie

I thank GoD evrybody on that flight are all safe. it was the grace GoD. we should thank all emergency personal as well as all the hassidic jews I saw helping with there jewish hatzzolah ambulances and chaveirim as well as many others. everyone has done a great job as always. we have a great team of emergency personel in new york city.

Avroham G

the pilot was cool for landing the plane like that and making sure everyone was safe.

Rubi D.

Thank goodness everyone is ok. My thanks to all whose selfless acts and unity helped to save so many lives.
Take care. Thank you.

Terry
Wellington Fl.

Enough cannot be said about the crew of the US Air plane as well as the ferry captains who rushed to help rescue everybody! Once again, we see the best of NYC coming to the rescue!

Kimberly,
Jackson Heights

Yes, it was a masterful landing by a brilliantly heroic pilot, who didn't leave his plane till he was sure that all were evacuated. However, I've heard, from a reputable media source, that not everyone walked away, happily drinking hot chocolate, as per the mayor and other politicians--there was a flight attendant, now hospitalized with at least one broken leg. And I'm guessing she was not strapped into her seat, but was probably helping passengers when the plane hit the Hudson. When are we going to hear about her, and when is she going to get some credit?

Dr. Kathy H.

While we're all proud of the airline's pilots and crew, and our emergency responders, for their heroic efforts today, the quick and decisive actions of the ferry pilots and their crews may have been the crucial difference between no lives lost and a different and tragically sad outcome.

Norm
Murray Hill

I was amused to see New York's two extreme hypocrites, Mike Bloomberg & David Paterson praising the heroic work of the ferry workers, police, firefighters and other emergency responders to the plane crash on TV tonight. In recent days, Bloomberg, Paterson, the New York Post and the ultra-right wing and badly misnamed Citizen's Budget Commission have had a virtual orgy in defaming public sector workers and attacking their salaries, benefits, pensions and job security.
So I strongly suggest that New Yorkers ask themselves. If they had been a passenger on that plane, who would they want rushing to their assistance. Mike Bloomberg, the editorial page editor of the Post and an accountant or two from the Citizen's Budget Commission, or the heroic civil servants who saved so many lives today.
Think about it!
Charles in Canarsie

It is hurting to see the plane floating like a dying whale. It protected and held all the passages safe and until the pilot found to ways to save everybody. Now peoples are out and they have left the plane sink It does not looks human. Why cannot they tug it to shore.

Chandra

We are all relieved the plane did not crash over the Bronx. Are you aware that planes ROUTINELY FLY OVER MANHATTAN? Major, huge commercial jets...not just helicopters. THEY ARE NOT FLYING ALONG THE RIVERS ONLY.

Carolyn

I am a regular viewer/listener to your programme. A BIG THANK YOU to the wonderful pilot for a great job done. He is indeed a Hero and I wish I could have married to him !

Ruthann

I think that it was really brave for the pilots and crew pilots to put thier own lives at risk to save the lives of others and they should be shown a great deal of gratitude

Suveer

just wanted to say god bless everyone on that flight its a blessing all 155 people are safe and the picture of all the people on the wings looks like their standing on a angels wings from heaven.....thas a millon dollar shot!

Priscilla
Bronx

I was waching the hudson river over the bridge as I wus looking at the world trade center I notice a plane and thought this can't be anothor terriost attack and I saw a big boom and spalsh too the water and I notice people comeing out of the plane and going too the wing it was just so scary but god blees new york and amarica it was a hudson mirciale

Ronaldy
Brooklyn

My daughter an aspiring pilot walked in from school. She said what's going on? I said that aircraft's engine caught fire and landed in the Hudson River. She responded mom, may be a bird or some birds struck the engine. And there it was on the screne, "a flock of birds". Kudos to the captin (s), crew and all the rescue personnel. May God bless them and continue to keep them safe.

Rosalie W.

I work in the Merrill Lynch Building for Merrill Lynch right where the plane is located now. I was told by a co-worker that she had 5 colleagues on the plane and was very distraught. Because of the days events of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, several members of that flight were on their way to the Bank of America headquarters in North Carolina! We thank god that they and everyone else are are ok!!! Our thoughts are with you!

Laila

Its refreshing to hear a story with a happy ending,especially when it deals with air emegerencies. also, congrats to all involved in helping in the rescue.especially the pilot who is a hero and should be commended.

Anthony R.
Ridgewood New York

I never pay attention on airplanes at takeoff when they give emergency landing instructions and stewardesses demonstrate how to use the life preservers. I always thought "How many people have ever needed that stuff? If a plane goes down in the water you have no hope of survival".
Today's incident was nothing short of a miracle and the pilot and rescuers involved are true heros. My prayers are with all the survivors.

-Gyda G.
NY1 addict

I must say that I commend the pilots! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the plane in the water. I must say that this is truly a blessing. My heart goes out to everyone who went through this tragic ordeal!!!! And needless to say, the weather was brutal!

God Bless!
Dana L.

The info I heard is that although teterboro airport was in sight, the pilots realized they may not have made it to the runway. They made a great decision to do a "by the book" water landing and it was good luck that there were no waves and that they kept the
wings level!

Bruce T.

We gave Giants big bash for winning and bringing a super ball to NY City to cherish and make its fans taste of their victory Perhaps the crew of this plane deserve something from the Great City in the world for savings 155 lives.

big fan of yours show
Marek from Maspeth/Queens

In these times when the prevailing mood is that so called experts
can't do anything right it was great to see a U.S. Airforce trained
pilot fly his disabled plane magnificently and have the passengers
rescued by well trained and professional ferry workers and emergency personnel. The United States can indeed get some things right! Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the unsung heroes/heroines invoved.

Rick/Upper West Side

I have to give the credit to the pilots for saving the lives of the passengers. The pilots within a few minutes had to make the decision to detour from the traffic controllers request to land in Teterboro Airport and land on water. They knew that the plane without two engines wouldn't make it to Teterboro and made a sharp left down the Hudson instead. If they proceeded to Teterboro, the story today would have been tragically different. I agree with your anchorman that it really wasn't technically a miracle (something that is unexplainable) but rather this event was due to the perfect thinking and landing of the pilots here.

"Sweets"

Of course the first responders should be commended but, having been an ED nurse for years, the ED staff of all the hospitals on alert should be commended as well!!!!
Thank you to all of you!!!!!!!!

Monica B.

The pilots that landed that plane and saved 150 people have renewed my faith in flying again. I have always been afraid of flying my philosphy has been once you are in the air anything goes wrong and youre not coming back. I am so happy to be proven wrong. It is great to know that were in good hands in the air. God bless the pilots its nothing short of a miricle. I know i will be flying soon. Thanx ny 1 for the amazing happy ending.

--Cin C.

I am amazed to the unity of all New York's finest working together on this miracle today. I am happy that our accident ended with a happy ending. This couldn't have been handled any better. I have been watching your channel all day today.
My question to you is, I was just wondering, would there be any possibilities that you can perhaps have the pilot there in your show in the future? I would really interested in hearing the story all over from his point and the adventure.
And I also truly believe that some of the heroes involved was some of those people in those tourist boats that were there from the beginning to rescue everyone in the plane. They are also the heroes of this fantastic story and they should all be awarded including the pilots.

Thank you

SIMON
Queens

i think that the piolot did a great job and i hope he hears this. You made a lot of people safe and i want to thank you so much. You just didnt save your life,you saved 155 people. Thank YOU!!!

Mateo

My opinion on what happened today was that the pilots held this emergency very well and very profesionally and they should be rewarded for their proffesionalism and their courage to make a decision that was going to benefit them and that was going to save the passengers. There is no doubt that these pilots are HEROES. Thank you pilots for saving many lives

Gabriel M.

On hearing the news about the plane landing in the river, and how NY Waterways was there so quickly to help rescue people, that reminded me they were also right there on 9/11 ferrying people in the World Trade area out of harm's way. Bravo to them and everyone else involved in the successful rescue!
BY the way, my daughter flies into LaGuardia tomorrow. I am a little concerned about the number of bird incidents and am praying her trip is uneventful tomorrow.

Marjorie M.
Rego Park, NY

It is a wonderful story, I watched all afternoon and I was touched for the lives saved. However, to see Bloomberg and Patterson talk and for Bloomberg to acknowledge the other politicians present disgust me. I thought bloomberg was above this, instead of talking of the heroics of the NYFD,NYPD, Coastguard, Circle line, NY Ferry he HAS TO INTRODUCE THE politicians. I am sick and disgusted

Mark M.
Fort Lee Nj

I cannot understand, why do we blame this on birds, until the investigation from FAA, then I can rest from this incident

PETER K.

I am a Respiratory Therapist at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital. I was called into work at 4pm today as the hospital was placed on disaster plan. I am so thankful there were no life threatening injuries. This was a great day for all New Yorkers involved in the rescue.

Rick.
Chelsea.

all i want to say thank you for saving those live to our heros.........

Kazi

Am happy that everyone on board is safe. Thankfully the pilot opened up the doors of the plane, being an exit for the passengers. I just want to send out my prayers to all the survivors.

Ashwani

I thank God that our senator gave glory and honor to God first. This was truly an example of his mercy and grace.

-Corine B, Clinton Hill

For many of us who know how painful it is to loose a loved one in a plane crash, This is a gift from the sky.This proves that there are still things worth fighting for. The pilot, police, ferry workers, all deserve to be recognized one by one by the media and government.
I prayed so hard today when seeing this on t.v. I prayed and I cryied at the same time.
I am so relieved that everyone got out safely.

Eva R.

I just want to commend the pilot and his excellent skills, and professionalism, in this matter in landing the plane with all passengers alive. We need more of his kind. He deserves a gold medal and a get away at the waldoff hotel for one week. May the lord continue to bless him, and all the wonderful crew members who assist in this matter. We thank the lord for his wonderful miracle. the Hudson river is certainly a bless river.

Dwayne

First of all, it is amazing that everybody survived. It is great news.
I have been traveling via planes all my life and I love planes.
However, every time I board a plane and watch the hostess informing the passengers how to use the life vests, I question every single time - if something happens and this plane is going down will it ever cross anyone's mind to first find those life vests, and second how to use those.
What if this plane was not surounded by rescuers, how everybody would survive while waiting for rescue. Don't you think that this safety procedure with life vests should be changed before the plane takes off? It is just a suggestion.
I think the current safety procedure is ineffective until to be utilized at the immediate moment of crisis, and at that moment I am sure nobody would think to find any life vests under seats and how to implement them.

Noreen
Astoria

After read Deep Survival by Laurance Gonzales it has been pretty much proven by the author that survival stories are not by accident.
The miracle is that the pilot had a lifetime of preparation and keeping
on top of safety, probably more so than 90% of pilots out there
and that he was the one who happened to have this accident.
That beautiful landing had years of preparation by a man who lived
day by day responsible for his job.
That is the miracle - a man living day to day responsible and aware!

Sara C.