Ep 1. Miracle on the Hudson

In the first episode of season 12 of Mysteries at the Museum, titled "Miracle on the Hudson," host Don Wildman explores the incredible story of the US Airways Flight 1549, which famously crash-landed on the Hudson River in January 2009.

Wildman begins by recounting the events of that fateful day, when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and his crew were forced to make an emergency landing after both engines of their Airbus A320 were disabled by a flock of geese. Miraculously, all 155 passengers and crew on board survived, thanks to the quick thinking and skilled actions of the flight crew, as well as the heroic efforts of the rescue teams who responded to the scene.

Wildman then delves into the various artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Flight 1549 and its aftermath. He visits the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the recovered wreckage of the plane is on display. He learns about the meticulous process of piecing together the broken plane parts and analyzing the data to determine what went wrong and how the crew was able to save the lives of everyone on board.

Next, Wildman explores the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., where he examines the actual life vest worn by passenger Dave Sanderson, who famously waited until everyone else had exited the plane before finally jumping into the icy waters of the Hudson himself. Sanderson describes his harrowing experience, and Wildman hears firsthand about the bravery and resourcefulness exhibited by the passengers and crew in the face of such a dire situation.

Finally, Wildman visits the New-York Historical Society in Manhattan, where he sees the torn and waterlogged pages of Captain Sullenberger's flight log, which he kept throughout his entire career as a pilot. Sullenberger himself recounts the importance of keeping a detailed logbook, as well as the overwhelming emotions he experienced in the aftermath of the crash and the outpouring of gratitude and support he received from people all over the world.

Throughout the episode, Wildman emphasizes the incredible significance of the miracle on the Hudson, not just as a stunning example of human ingenuity and courage, but also as a reminder of the importance of preparation, training, and quick thinking in the face of unexpected adversity. He concludes by thanking the crew and passengers of Flight 1549 for their incredible act of heroism, and reminding viewers of the power of hope, determination, and teamwork to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.