Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who safely landed a US Airways jet on New York’s Hudson River after its engines lost power, retired Wednesday.
Sullenberger, 59, became a celebrity overnight in the incident that became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles ditched their Airbus SAS A320 in the river Jan. 15, 2009, after geese were sucked into the engines. All 155 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 1549 survived.
Sullenberger’s last flight Wednesday was with Skiles, according to the US Airline Pilots Association. The U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former fighter pilot had worked for US Airways since 1980.
“A retirement gathering with fellow pilots” was planned after Sullenberger’s last trip, said James Olson, a US Airways spokesman. “He specifically asked for no special treatment regarding his retirement.”
Doreen Welsh, 59, an attendant on Flight 1549, also retired, US Airways said.
