July 5, 2009
Flight 1549: An Emotional Reunion
The Crew Of US Airways Flight 1549 Meet Some Of The Survivors They Saved
-
Play CBS Video Video An Emotional Reunion 150 people might not be alive today if it weren't for Capt. Sullenberger and the crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. 60 Minutes invited some of the passengers to reunite with them in, of all places, Charlotte N.C.
-
US Airways First Officer Jeff Skiles getting a thank you and a big hug by a survivor in Charlotte, N.C. (CBS)
But like many of the passengers, the crew members are also having difficulty processing what happened, including Captain Sullenberger.
"One of the hardest things for me to do in this whole experience was to forgive myself for not having done something else. Something better. Something more complete. I don't know," he told Couric. "The first few nights were the worst. When the 'what ifs' started. The second guessings would come. Made sleep hard."
"Like what?" Couric asked.
"Just replaying it. You know, flashbacks. 'Were we aware of everything we could have been aware of.' 'Did we make the best choices.' All those kinds of thoughts," he told her.
"And when you think that way, do you regret anything that you did?" Couric asked.
"No. Not now," Sullenberger said.
Captain Sullenberger says he plans to fly again later this summer. For now, he and his family are finding comfort going through the mountain of mail he’s received from all over the world.
"Mr. Sullenberger, great job, I'd like to buy you a beer. Albeit a cheap domestic one. Five dollars enclosed. God bless," one letter read.
"Dear Captain Sullenberger, in a world that seems to be full of bad news, it was such a wonderful day on January 15th," another letter read.
"Dearest Captain Sullenberger. Big Apple hero. Yesterday I received a voicemail from my 84-year-old father who lives on the 30th floor of a building with river views here in Manhattan. Had you not been so skilled, my father or others like him in their sky-high buildings could have perished along with your passengers had not you landed in the river as you had. As a Holocaust survivor my father taught me that to save a life is to save a world as you never know what the person you’ve saved nor his or her prodigy will go on to contribute to the peace and healing of the world. Bless you dear Captain Sullenberger. New York loves you. That is my favorite one," Sullenberger's wife Lorrie read.
"Yeah, mine too," Sullenberger agreed.
"You've been called a hero by a lot of people. How do you feel about that?" Couric asked.
"I don't feel comfortable embracing it, but I don't want to deny it. I don't want to diminish their thankful feeling toward me by telling them that they're wrong. I'm beginning to understand why they might feel that way," he replied.
Asked why that is, Sullenberger said, "Something about this episode has captured people's imagination. I think they want good news. I think they want to feel hopeful again. And if I can help in that way, I will."
Sullengberger's co-pilot, Jeffrey Skiles, got back in the cockpit this past spring. As for flight attendants Donna Dent and Sheila Dail, they plan to start flying again this fall. Doreen Welsh isn't sure if and when she'll be able to go back to work.
Read about the bird strike and landing, as well as the dramatic evacuation.
Produced by Tanya Simon, Lori Beecher and Andrew Metz
© MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Recent Segments
Scroll Left Scroll Right
Add a Comment See all 11 Comments
- Thanks CBS for your attention to and presentation of this great inspirational storey.
Sincerely, J A O'Flaherty - Reply to this comment
- A truly outstanding story. Capt. Sullenberger is one on the most qualified Pilots in the world. I just read his Bio. The interview by Katie Curic was excellent. Thanks CBS.
John Creel - Reply to this comment
- Absolutely inspirational and fascinating what thoughts occur in crisis. Loved the guy with the photo of his neice...having lost a brother you always live differently for fear of causing anyone else you love that much pain. The hope is the grace that evolved from fear and grew into this wonderful embrace from the world.
- Reply to this comment
- By the way, was wondering if there was any agency handling mail for this incredible story; these wonderful people. Would certainly like to send these courageous people our kudos and good wishes.
- Reply to this comment
- Living in the shadow of Dover AFB for 30 years I know how dreadful birdstrikes can be; pilots really need to know their stuff to avert disaster. In an age where people are discouraged with the government, unemployment etc, its nice to know there are still heroes out there to help restore faith in the human race. The story on 60 Minutes last night brought tears to my eyes. These people will be national heroes forever. To God be the Glory!
- Reply to this comment
- One of the "best" news stories ever...and well orchestrated by Katie--to the point, sincere; she let this incredible story and it''s participants tell it without the over dramatization often seen. Sully''s honesty and final summation were piercing; as close to spiritual as it gets. Thanks CBS.
- Reply to this comment
- God Gave this Sully His Wings. He will be an Angel Forever.
Gob Bless him and his Crew. - Reply to this comment
- Loved the story. Great enough to call the kids to the TV. Do we really need an explicit Viagra commercial at this hour?
- Reply to this comment
- This story is really too good to be true. I am so thankful for all the survivors including the crew members. All I could think of is that every thing happened in flight 1549 was by the WILL of God who picked up the right pilot, right location, right passengers (who acted calmly and bravely) and crew members and perfect location of landing --- two ferry terminals. The weather was supposed to be below zero that day, but miraculously, the temperature was changed back to upper 20s. Every thing worked out miraculously. Loved the interview and loved to see all the survivors. Great job!!! God bless every one!
- Reply to this comment
- After watching the 60 min session about flight 1549 I became so inspired to write Captain Sullenberger on how much of a hero he is to me. I am just astonished that a miracle could happen like this and I am blessed to know that all 155 members on that flight are OK!!! Truely Amazing!!! I was wondering if there was any way i could get ahold of Captain Sullenberger''s address so i can write to him! Thank you for a great interview, the tonight was one of the best i have seen in awhile. GREAT JOB :]]
- Reply to this comment
- Im standing at home watching 60 min about flight 1549
bawling my eyes out, not because Im sad, because of this pilot with such a good heart.It is so wonderful for something good in this world like this to happen.
Thank you for a wonderful interview
Sincerly Catherine - Reply to this comment
