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Why did the plane the landed in the Hudson River not sink into the water?

US Airways flight 1549 did not sink into the Hudson River after an emergency landing on January 15, 2009. The pilot, Capt. Sullenberger had to land the plane on the water because both engines were damaged by a flock of geese. This was a very risky maneuver, but he succeeded in saving all 155 people on board.

 

 

The plane did not sink into the water because it was designed to survive a water landing, and the pilot followed the right procedures. The plane had a strong hull, a water-tight seal, a light fuel tank, and a ditching switch that protected it from water damage. The pilot also had to align the plane with the river, adjust the speed and the angle, deploy the flaps and the slats, keep the nose up, and brace the passengers and the crew for impact.

 

 

The plane stayed afloat for about 20 minutes, enough time for everyone to escape and be rescued. The plane was later towed and recovered. It is now on display at a museum in North Carolina, where you can learn more about this amazing incident.

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Uploaded on September 24, 2024