'Miracle On The Hudson' Plane Now On Display At the Carolinas Aviation Museum

Three years ago Sunday, US Airways Flight 1549 departed LaGuardia airport for a routine flight to Charlotte, NC, but got only as far as the Hudson River. The flight, piloted by Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger famously ditched in the river after a bird strike caused both engines to flame out, but in what has now become known as "The Miracle On The Hudson," not a single passenger or crewmenber lost their lives in the accident.

On Sunday, 52 passengers who were on board the airplane that day gathered at the Carolinas Aviation Museum to commemorate that event, and learned that Sully's headset, which was found on board the airplane when it was taken to the museum, as well as a headset belonging to air traffic controller Patrick Harten, would become part of the museum's permanent display.

Harten was the controller on duty who tried to direct the stricken airplane back to LaGuardia.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the passengers who attended the reunion were asked to get on board the airplane and take their old seats at 3:31 pm ... the moment the plane touched the water. While some were reportedly reluctant to get back on board the plane, at least one, Staples executive Denise Locke, said it was cathartic, but "a little eerie."

Harten was given the pilot's seat for the ceremony inside the fuselage. Sullenberger reportedly had family obligations, and was unable to attend. (Photo licensed by Gregory Lam under Creative Commons)

FMI: www.carolinasaviation.org