US Airways Plane Crashes Into Hudson River

Andreas Sappok of Circle Line Cruises which operates on the Hudson and helped with the rescue said there were passengers on the plane and life rafts. Smaller boats would retrieve the passengers from the plane and bring them to the cruise ship.

Passengers were pretty calm, he said and just waiting to be taken off the plane and life rafts. He said the plane is now tied to a tugboat and being towed down the river.

No search for debris is taking place to his knowledge. He said seeing the plane so low over the water brought back memories of 9/11

Robert Hager, Transportation Analyst said balck boxes will go to Washington for analysis. He commented on not knowing how difficult it would be to get to them since the plane, except for the tail fin, is under water.

Flight 1549 was not scheduled to be over water. In a case liek this, would not have been time for crew to prepare passengers because it took place shortly after take off. All they would have been able to do was inform them to prepare for impact.

Doug Parker Chairman and CEO of US Airways speaking at a press conference commented on training of the staff and advised friends and family of passengers to call 800-679-8215.

NTSB will conduct complete investtigation. US Air is cooperating with local and state authorities.

"Safety has been and will always be our priority at US Air," said Parker

Passengers and witnesses alike are crediting the pilots and crew with saving the lives of passengers

Pilots practice ditching procedures but generally expect that if such an event occurs, it would be over open ocean with lots of time to prepare.

The pilot of flight 1549 had to make a quick decision when he lost power after hitting a flock of birds. If you pull nose up too fast, you will sink. Flight 1549 landed intact and all 146 passengers survived as of initial reports.

Geese can weigh 15 lbs or more. A flock was reported to have gone into the engines

Bill White, COO of the Intrepid Museum witnessed the crash and said he saw people standing on the wing of the plane.

He said the rescue effort was not panicked but was well organized. Smaller rescue boats that could get up close to the plane would take passengers off the plane and to waiting larger ships.

US Airways to hold press conference on the crash at 5 PM

NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected to speak shortly on the crash.

A woman waiting in Charlotte NC for her boyfriend who was on flight 1549 said she was "pretty emotional" when she heard the plane had gone down in the Hudson but then she said he called her on her cell phone. "It was like Christmas morning again to hear his voice, she said."

It has been confirmed that US Airways flight 1549 was brought down by a flock of geese.

NTSB will be looking at the engines, then flight data recorder. Then they will interview the pilots who survived the crash.

Only the tail fin remains above water at this hour. A survivor told MSNBC's Lester Holt that the landing was, "scary as shit!"

Another witness to the actual crash said it was amazing how little the impact was when it hit the water. Witness Erin Miller said the plane remained intact, nothing went flying around. "It really was amazing," she said.

most passengers went out the front exit of the plane, according to one passenger that was rescued who said he was lucky to be alive.

Another passenger was reported to be looking dazed by reporters at the hospital where passengers were taken.

ALL 146 PASSENGERS ARE REPORTED TO BE OFF THE PLANE

News Media have released a number for concerned friends/family of passengers to call for information:
1-800-679-8215

More updates:

Calls from witnesses are pouring in to various cable new stations. Tune in to hear their accounts.