Where Is the Plane That Landed in the Hudson
The "Miracle on the Hudson" wasn't a myth. It was metal, engines, and 155 people on a freezing January afternoon. The pilot managed to bring the aircraft down on the river after a catastrophic bird strike. Then came the question everyone asks: what happened to the plane? It didn't just float there forever. There is a specific, documented answer. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where is the plane that landed in the hudson.
The Aircraft: A320 Registration N106US
The flight was US Airways Flight 1549. The plane was an Airbus A320-214, registration number N106US. On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles guided it into the water. The engines failed minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport.
The bird strike damaged both engines. The crew lost thrust entirely. The glide ratio became the only tool left. A perfect approach onto the Hudson followed.
Retrieval and the Initial Location
Rescue boats pulled the fuselage from the river. They brought it to a pier along the west side of Manhattan. Specifically, it rested at Pier 26 in the Hudson River Park area. The aircraft stayed there for a short period while investigators took photos and collected data.
The National Transportation Safety Board led the investigation. They needed the airframe for analysis. The location served as a temporary staging ground.
The Final Disposition: Where It Went Next
Pier 26 was not the final stop. The aircraft was loaded onto a barge. It traveled up the Hudson River to New Jersey. The journey took the plane to a facility called Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
Wait. That's a common misconception. That museum displays the Spruce Goose. The A320 went somewhere else.
The plane was sent to the Carolina Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is the permanent home. The museum sits near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The facility acquired the aircraft to use it as an educational exhibit.
Why Charlotte? The Connection to Sully
This location makes perfect sense. Captain Sully lived in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area after his retirement. He became a motivational speaker. The museum and the pilot share a geographic bond. The exhibit honors the crew and the passengers.
What You See at the Museum Today
The fuselage rests indoors now. Visitors walk past the preserved wings and engines. The exhibit displays the actual seat rows. You can see the damage from the water landing.
The plane is not displayed outdoors on a runway. It rests in a controlled hangar. This setting protects the aluminum skin and the historical integrity of the airframe.
Salvage and Auction History
Some components were sold separately. The engines, the landing gear, and various panels were auctioned off before the museum acquisition. These parts scattered to private collectors.
This happens with notable aircraft. The N106US designation links to the water landing, so the value skyrocketed. If you find parts online bearing that number, they are genuine remnants.
The Sunken Engines: A Separate Fact
Two engines remained on the river floor for a time. They sank after retrieval attempts initially failed. The NTSB recovered them months later. They were brought up separately from the main body. These were not scrapped. They joined the investigation records.
Visiting the Site: Practical Info
If you want to see the plane, drive to Charlotte, NC. The museum address is 5350 Josh Birmingham Parkway. The exhibit is a permanent fixture.
Expect a modest admission fee. The museum is a non-profit. It relies on donations and visitor tickets to keep aircraft like the Hudson A320 preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hudson Landing Plane
Is the plane from the Hudson on display?
Yes. It is at the Carolina Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Can you still buy pieces of the plane?
Some original components were auctioned off prior to the museum transfer.
What happened to the US Airways A320?
The airframe was preserved for historical and educational display.