[fish hawk]

Duuuhhh. Hit the river or buildings. I never flew a plane in my life but have enough sense to pick the river.

[Paladin2]

"...have enough sense to pick the river. "

It's definitely cheaper AND softer.

[donna]

I’m not sure, but wouldn’t there be the force from the bouyancy of the water on a big airplane to consider? The plane could break up and sink like a stone in freezing water.

I heard someone say that swimming in freezing water will make you lose body heat faster than just staying still in the water waiting for rescue.

[centurion316]

Runways are an airplane’s and a pilot’s friend. That’s where you want to land, not in a river. Ditching an airplane is very difficult, one mistake and the airplane goes cartwheeling down the surface while tearing itself apart. The only way the river became a viable option, was when he reached the conclusion that he didn’t have the altitude and airspeed to make a runway. Tough call.

He had a very difficult decision to make and had to make it quickly. Once he made the decision, he had to execute flawlessly. This sort of stuff is for professionals, don’t try it at home.

[torchthemummy]

Duuuhhh. Hit the river or buildings. I never flew a plane in my life but have enough sense to pick the river.

Well aren't you the cat's meow? His point was at first he thought he could make it to the other airport but when he had his first tinge of doubt he made a quick decision to not chance it and made the adjustment just in time. That one decision involved alot of technical aspects to consider and perform. Your comment belittles the extraordinairy feat that this gentleman performed.

[GAB-1955]

It's hard to land a plane just right in water ditching. Captain Sullenberger displayed extraordinary airmanship and skill, and needed a few angels per wing holding it up and steady.