In January 2009, the US Airways Airbus A320, famously known as "Flight 1549," completed a ditch in the Hudson River after striking a flock of Canada geese after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York. The incident, which took place on January 15, became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." Recovery operations for the aircraft began shortly after the successful ditching; this allowed all the passengers (155) and crew members to evacuate.

The recovery effort was coordinated by organizations, including the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and salvage companies. Authorities created a safety perimeter around the crash site to ensure the security of the recovery operation. Divers assessed the conditions of the Airbus A320 to ensure that there were no risks of fuel leaks or other hazards due to the aircraft being submerged in the river.

The initial phase involved floating devices and boats to stabilize the aircraft. Using heavy lifting cranes and specialised equipment, the salvage teams then worked to lift the Airbus A320 from the Hudson. The process required detailed planning due to the size and weight of the Airbus, as well as considering the river’s currents. On January 17th, 2009, the salvage team lifted the aircraft out of the River.

The NTSB board transported the plane to a pier for further investigation. NTSB conducted a thorough, detailed look at the aircraft to understand the cause of the ditching fully. It was also very important to gather data for possible future safety requirements. The very detailed-coordinated recovery operation not only ensured the aircraft was saved for further work of obtaining crucial evidence. It also underscored how swiftly emergency services responded in this critical time frame.

The recovery of the US Airways Airbus A320 Flight number 1549 remains a notable example of effective crisis management and the resilience of both crew and passengers during an unprecedented event. To this day (2025), we still see this as a miracle for all those involved in the ditching and the expertise of the emergency services.