Description

On 15 January 2009, 3000 feet agl after a daytime take-off in VMC from LaGuardia Airport, NY, an Airbus A320-200 experienced an almost complete loss of thrust after encountering a flock of Canada Geese and ingesting birds in both engines. It was subsequently ditched in the Hudson River about 8.5 miles from airport. The ditching was completed successfully. Of the 150 occupants, one member of cabin crew and four passengers were seriously injured and the aircraft was substantially damaged, although later recovered for investigation purposes.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board (USA) (NTSB). It was established that bird avoidance had been impossible. At the time of impact, the First Officer had been PF but approximately 12 seconds afterwards, the Captain had taken control of the aircraft. Five seconds later he had called for the QRH drill for Dual Engine Failure checklist and this had been commenced whilst an emergency was declared and ATC attempted to assist.