A small aircraft, a Cessna 172, made an emergency landing into the Hudson River on the evening of March 2, involving two occupants, a pilot and a passenger. The incident transpired shortly after 8 p.m. local time and unfolded just east of Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York.
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The flight took off from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York, and was navigating its way northward when it encountered difficulties, prompting the pilot to attempt a landing in the river. A spokesperson for the MacArthur Airport confirmed the aircraft’s departure location and the crash site, which was reported to be north of New Windsor in the Hudson River.
Emergency agencies were quickly alerted to the situation, with the Middle Hope Fire Department receiving the call around 8:04 p.m. Five units were deployed to the scene to initiate a search and rescue operation. Upon arriving, the responders faced initial difficulties locating the aircraft within the river but eventually found it in the City of Newburgh, several minutes later.
Miraculously, both individuals on board were able to extricate themselves from the submerged plane and swim to safety. They were assessed by the Town of Newburgh Emergency Medical Services, which subsequently transported them to a local hospital for further evaluation. Reports indicate that both the pilot and passenger are expected to make a full recovery.
Steve Neuhaus, the County Executive of Orange County, shared the positive news via his social media account. “We can report that all occupants have been recovered alive and are being treated at a local hospital and are expected to make a full recovery,” he posted. He also expressed pride in the first responders who participated in the successful rescue operation.
Witness safety was further ensured by the presence of other pilots in the area. Brendan Gallagher, another pilot flying nearby at the time, recounted how he observed the aircraft descend towards the river. Recognising the urgency of the situation, he contacted air traffic control, offering to assist in locating the crash victims. His team quickly diverted their flight path and managed to reach the site promptly, contributing to the overall rescue efforts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul weighed in on the incident, describing it as “another miracle on the Hudson.” In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she expressed relief that both occupants of the aircraft sustained only minor injuries. Governor Hochul conveyed her gratitude to first responders for their swift actions in what could have been a far more tragic situation.
As it stands, the cause of the crash has yet to be determined. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances that led to the emergency landing.
This incident highlights both the potential perils associated with small aircraft travel and the critical importance of rapid response from emergency services. The safe exit of the aircraft occupants underscores the vital work done by first responders and the effectiveness of nearby pilots in averting a more severe outcome.