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Both Engines Missing From US Airways Plane

Search continues in Hudson; investigators plan to fish jet out tomorrow

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 16, 2009 4:18 PM CST
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(Newser) – The US Airways plane that ditched in the Hudson River yesterday is missing both engines, crucial clues in the investigation, the New York Times reports. Police divers aided by sonar are searching for them even as officials prepare to hoist the plane out of the water tomorrow. Investigators needs them “because there would be physical evidence … if there was a bird strike,” an official said.

Underwing engines often detach in crashes, though investigators don’t know if they went missing on impact or as the plane was towed to its present location near Manhattan’s southern tip. The pilot was set to meet with officials, the Daily News adds; the investigation will likely be easier as his skilled flying saved the plane from breaking up on impact.

A US Airways plane rests against a retaining wall after the pilot ditched the disabled jetliner into the frigid Hudson River.
A US Airways plane rests against a retaining wall after the pilot ditched the disabled jetliner into the frigid Hudson River.   (AP Photo)
US Airways CEO Doug Parker, right, speaks to the media during a press conference at City Hall as Mayor Michael Bloomberg stands by.
US Airways CEO Doug Parker, right, speaks to the media during a press conference at City Hall as Mayor Michael Bloomberg stands by.   (AP Photo)
A fireboat tugs the downed plane.
A fireboat tugs the downed plane.   (AP Photo)
A US Airways plane rests against a retaining wall after the pilot ditched the disabled jetliner into the frigid Hudson River in New York.
A US Airways plane rests against a retaining wall after the pilot ditched the disabled jetliner into the frigid Hudson River in New York.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Newser001
Jan 17, 2009 6:52 AM CST
Consider, it is the engine pods that literally rip an aircraft apart, in a water ditch. As a former pilot, commercial aircraft with under the wing engine pods are basically impossible to survive... Hit the water too hot - When the pods hit the water, the aircraft literally rips itself apart - Analogous to the pods hitting a brick wall - Fuselage compromised, fills with water, sinks like a rock. The Captain, Copilot and Flight Staff where absolutely amazing (and amazingly lucky, too)... I hate to say this, but the odds of walking from such a ditching is - nil. Nothing short of astonishing... Absolutely stellar flying, Captain Sullenberger! Absolutely stellar, Sir!
riffran
Jan 17, 2009 12:03 AM CST
Call me a cynic, but I'm waiting for PETA or the eviromentals to pitch a fit about the dead geese, and try to make a big deal about the birds........Thats right folks, forget the fact that a MIRACLE happened, and the blessed lives of all the passengers were spared...what about the poor birds, I have already heard some grumbling about it.....lol......To all those that helped and the pilots......Bravo....I won't forget.....riff
Mad
Jan 16, 2009 10:30 PM CST
They towed it, but no one noticed if it was complete? Why tow it in the first place. Didn't they at least photograph it at the point it rested? Seems the investigators need to be investigated

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New York City • US Airways • plane crash • Hudson River • LaGuardia Airport • Airbus A320 • engine • bird strike • ditching • Hudson crash

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