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| QUICK THINKING: The pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 had only a few seconds to decide to land in the Hudson River. It was a determination that ultimately saved the lives of everyone on board. Photo © Mike Kentz. |
When Beth McHugh, an employee at McKesson Corp. (San Francisco) boarded US Airways Flight 1549 at LaGuardia, NY, Jan. 15, bound for Charlotte, she was expecting a routine jet trip home. She didn't know that within 10 minutes of takeoff, she and her fellow passengers would be in a race against time to save their lives after the plane was ditched into a frigid Hudson River.
Once in the air, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous bird strike, knocking out power in both engines. The pilot, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, was forced to glide the plane into the river. His successful maneuvering saved the lives of the 150 people on board as well as the five crew members on board.
It's a story that has captured the hearts, minds and imaginations of people across the world. "People are hungry for good news and really want to hear about a miracle," explained McHugh, a customer program executive in McKesson's provider technology division.
In this ADVANCE exclusive podcast, Matthew T. Patton, editor, speaks with McHugh, who recalls the frightening details of the flight and recounts the valiant efforts of the personnel that came to her rescue.
Right Click Here to download the mp3 file, McHugh shares frightening flight details.
Right Click Here to download the mp3 file, McHugh describes life after the incident.
Matthew T. Patton (mpatton@advanceweb.com) is editor of ADVANCE.
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