The NTSB Saturday revised its Friday statement that both engines had been torn from US Airways flight 1549 — the Airbus A320 that ditched in the Hudson river Thursday afternoon at about 3:30 pm. Divers Saturday confirmed that the right engine is still attached. Early reports stated that the pilot had reported bird strikes soon after departing LaGuardia for Charlotte and prior to safely landing the aircraft with 155 aboard, in the river. The aircraft’s voice and data recorders (black boxes) have not yet been retrieved (Friday) due to the challenges presented by the cold weather, the cold water, the strong river currents (which are subjected to tidal flow), and other factors. Cabin crew interviews had been conducted, but interviews with the pilots and some controllers are expected to begin, Saturday. Investigators also plan to Saturday remove the aircraft from the river, place it on a barge and move it to a secure location for thorough investigation. The voice and data recorders may be removed before the aircraft reaches that location. Friday, investigators began searching the river with “side scan SONAR” to find the aircraft’s engines. “It’s obviously important to look, physically, at the engines,” an NTSB spokeswoman said, “it’s a very important piece of the puzzle.” She added, “My understanding is that we have a preliminary timeline,” and a transcript between air traffic control and the cockpit should soon be available.
NTSB Update On US Airways 1549 – One Engine Attached
Key Takeaways:
- The NTSB revised its initial statement, confirming the right engine of US Airways Flight 1549 remains attached after the aircraft ditched due to reported bird strikes.
- Investigators are actively working to retrieve the aircraft's "black boxes" despite challenging cold and strong current conditions, while also planning to remove the Airbus A320 from the river for thorough examination.
- Interviews with cabin crew have been conducted, with pilots and air traffic controllers scheduled, and "side scan SONAR" is being used to locate engines critical to understanding the incident.
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