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Pilot and Passenger Survive Icy Hudson River Landing
NEWBURGH, NY – A pilot and passenger are recovering after their Cessna 172 aircraft made an emergency landing in the frigid waters of the Hudson River Monday night. Both occupants successfully swam to shore following the incident, which occurred shortly after 8 p.m.
The single-engine plane had departed from Long Island when the pilot was forced to land in the river, according to a Facebook post from the Middle Hope Fire Department. First responders from the Middle Hope Fire Department and other agencies were dispatched to the scene and quickly located the aircraft within the City of Newburgh.
Officials confirmed that the pilot and passenger were able to extricate themselves from the plane and swim to safety. They were evaluated by Newburgh Emergency Medical Services and subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment of minor injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the cause of the emergency landing.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul lauded the successful rescue, calling it “Another miracle on Hudson.” In a social media post, she expressed gratitude to first responders, stating, “Thank God both the pilot and passenger… have been located with only minor injuries. Grateful to our first responders for their quick actions.”
Representative Pat Ryan, who represents the area, also acknowledged the swift response of local emergency services. “I’m in touch with officials on the ground, who have shared that both passengers are safely out of the water & have been evacuated by EMS,” he shared. “Incredibly grateful for our Hudson Valley first responders who are responding swiftly and put their lives on the line to keep others safe.”