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US Airways Flight 1549: Ditching on the Hudson River - Pilot Performance and Operational Feasibility

This study, conducted by Katherine Wilson, Ph.D., examines the pilot and crew performance during the ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Capt. David Helson's operational factors, decision-making process, ADUAL failure checklist performance, and crew resource management are analyzed. The importance of certification versus real-life accident scenarios, operational feasibility, and the need for comprehensive checklist design are discussed. The study also highlights the lack of training for ditching without engine power and visual illusions.

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US Airways Flight 1549: Ditching on the Hudson River - Pilot Performance and Operational Feasibility

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  1. US AirwaysFlight 1549 Ditching onthe Hudson RiverJanuary 15, 2009 Katherine Wilson, Ph.D. Human Performance Capt. David Helson Operational Factors

  2. Flight Crew Performance • Captain started the auxiliary power unit and commanded control of airplane • Engine Dual Failure checklist performed • Captain assessed options for landing • Hudson River highest probability of survival • Decision-making and excellent crew resource management

  3. Flight Crew Performance • Airspeed slow due to high workload, stress, and task distraction • Alpha-protection activated • Captain’s sidestick inputs attenuated • Alpha-protection cues to pilots • Airspeed scale indicator • Low-speed awareness warning • Inhibited during accident sequence

  4. Certification vs. Accident Flight *fps = feet per second

  5. Certification vs. Accident Flight *fps = feet per second

  6. Operational Feasibility • FAA and EASA certification • No evaluation of a pilot’s ability to achieve ditching parameters • Postaccident simulator testing • Possible but difficult without practice

  7. ENG DUAL FAILURE Checklist • Amended by Airbus in 2005 • 3 parts: • Fuel remaining or no fuel remaining • Engine restart or no restart • Forced landing or ditching • NASA research on checklist design • Cover all relevant phases of flight • Include all appropriate information • Reduce memory load

  8. US Airways Training • Dual-engine failure • Scenario begins at 25,000 feet • One engine restart by 8,000 feet • No low-altitude training • Ditching • Review of Ditching checklist • Minimal guidance on ditching without engine power • No training for visual illusions

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