The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Miraculous escape

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Monday, Jan 19, 2009
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Miraculous escape

The escape of the passengers on board Flight 1549, the Airbus that lost power in both its engines after striking a flock of geese, is indeed miraculous. A major catastrophe was averted because of the decision taken by pilot Chesley Sullenberger who became an instant hero after he landed the plane on the Hudson river. The miraculous escape of the 155 passengers also highlights the alertness and efficiency of the emergency personnel in New York.

Tarun Girdhar,

Chandigarh

Readers have, of late, got accustomed to seeing words such as “155 people” in newspapers followed by “dead” or “injured.” It was refreshing and relieving to see the word “rescued.” Hats off to the crew of the Airbus A320 flight for displaying an exemplary presence of mind during a near-death crisis! Credit is also due to the engineers who designed the aircraft.

I pray that I get to see accounts of more such survival stories in the newspapers.

P.K. Hara Ram Narayanan,

Chennai

A serious accident was averted by the former Air Force fighter pilot who displayed exemplary skills in ditching the plane in the Hudson. The swiftness with which the disaster management system took over thereafter ensured that there were no casualties, even though the plane landed in freezing waters.

P.R. Lochan Sarathy,

Chennai

An encounter with a flock of birds and escape from the jaws of death are things no passenger who was on Flight 1549 on Friday will ever forget. The efforts of Mr. Sullenberger and the crew of Airbus A320 are truly commendable. The pilot’s presence of mind has indeed set him apart.

Nilesh Raje,

Mumbai

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