Monday marked 15 years since a U.S. Airways flight was forced to make an emergency landing dubbed the 'Miracle on the Hudson'. Its pilot, Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger became a household name and is now an outspoken advocate for aviation safety.
The images were seen around the world after U.S. Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River on a cold January day. The plane, leaving LaGuardia Airport, struck a flock of birds, and lost power in both engines. All 155 passengers and crew survived.
Some spoke at an event today on the 15th anniversary.
"I was in seat 15A that day. On the 15th anniversary today it makes number 15. Stays close to me every single day. I'm very blessed to be here today," said passenger Dave Sanderson.
Survivors took the chance to thank the first responders and the ferry captains who rescued them from the frigid water.
Survivor Denise Lockie says: "There's nothing I can't say about how grateful I am, personally, that I was able to go home."
The now famous Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger told CBS News he still keeps in touch with those passengers.
"You know we're bonded because of this experience we had together. We're like a big extended family."
Sullenberger now uses his platform to advocate for aviation safety. In 2019, he stressed the importance of training simulators when the Boeing 737 Max was grounded following two different crashes.
The pilot still encourages others to consider a career like his.
"I encourage everyone who might have some interest in some part of aviation to look into it and see if a life in the air is for them. It certainly was for me."
Captain Sullenberger was asked about the recent door plug blowout on a Boeing Max 9. He told USA-Today it could have been catastrophic if it happened at a higher altitude, and stressed the importance of searching for any potential flaws on airplanes.