Nearly Two Decades Later, 'We're Gonna Be In The Hudson' Remains One Of Modern Aviation's Most Famous Radio Calls

Almost two decades after US Airways Flight 1549 successfully ditched in the Hudson River, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s radio call—“We’re gonna be in the Hudson”—remains one of commercial aviation’s most famous lines. On January 15, 2009, the Airbus A320-214, registration N106US, departed LaGuardia with 155 people aboard. About 90 seconds after takeoff, at 2,818 feet, a flock of Canada geese struck both engines simultaneously, causing both to lose thrust. At 3:27 PM, Sullenberger reported the failure and turning back, then transmitted the words moments later. The aircraft touched down at about 3:31 PM, floated, and everyone evacuated via wings and forward doors onto deployed slides. The article also cites FAA wildlife-strike records, noting strikes have tripled since 2009.