Less than two weeks shy of the anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” those who survived the incredible landing of Flight 1549 gathered at Lincoln Center, for the premiere of a documentary on their story.
“Brace for Impact,” is the name of the film that will air on TLC Sunday, January 10 that highlights the story behind the miraculous landing of this U.S. Airways flight. The title of the film is derived from the last words the flight’s captain, Chesley B. Sullenberger said to his passengers moments before he landed the plane on the Hudson River.
Captain Sully helped chronicle what happened in the short but crucial moments that led to the incredible landing. In the film, he flies a helicopter and retraces the flight path he followed while recounting his experience. Sully actually saw the documentary before Tuesday night’s screening.
“It does bring back memories of that day,” said Sully. “But it also brings back a very good memory of a remarkably good outcome so I don't mind at all seeing it again and helping to celebrate its good news."
Last night, Sully was reunited with some of the passengers highlighted in the film, including those with whom he shared a rescue raft. Denise Lockie, Pam Segle, Barry Leonard, and Steve O’Brien never knew each other before that fateful day, and now the Charlotte, North Carolina residents are the best of friends. Gathering to watch a film about their harrowing experience is difficult.
“It's going to be challenging to look at the images and reliving the images and what happened,” said passenger Denise Lockie. “It’s so fresh in our minds because we live with it day to day and I think tonight more especially because our first year anniversary is coming up."
But Steve O’Brien who was certain he would die when he realized the plane was losing altitude had a different take on the documentary.
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“To me it represents life,” said O’Brien. “We didn't die, so some of those images I’d like to see."
And while their experience was traumatic, many of the passengers have flown again, especially those who have jobs that require travel.
Jeff Kolodjay of Norwalk, Connecticut said he’s been on a plane several times since the incident even though he still has some fear.
“I just put it in the back of mind.” Said Kolodjay. “It’s a little eerie, but it’s part of life. I love to travel and will continue to do so.”
“Brace for Impact” will premiere on TLC on January 10 at 9 p.m.
