Pilot Known for ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ River Plane Landing Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Chesley Sullenberger, the retired pilot celebrated for the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” emergency landing that saved 155 lives, has disclosed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The 75-year-old aviator, who gained global recognition for safely steering a US Airways flight into the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines, shared his diagnosis in a public statement on Tuesday. He described the condition as a “new phase of my life” that has challenged his ability to serve others, emphasizing the importance of speaking openly about the disease to support families facing similar struggles. Sullenberger’s diagnosis comes amid growing awareness of Alzheimer’s, a progressive neurological disorder that affects approximately 7.4 million people aged 65 or older in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of those diagnosed are 75 or older, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While there is currently no cure, medical interventions can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Sullenberger’s statement highlighted his determination to remain active in advocacy, stating, “This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up.” The pilot’s most famous moment occurred on January 15, 2009, when he piloted US Airways Flight 1549 from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina. Shortly after takeoff, the plane encountered a severe bird strike that destroyed both engines, leaving the aircraft without power. With no option to return to LaGuardia or divert to another airport, Sullenberger executed an unprecedented emergency landing on the Hudson River.#alzheimer_s_disease #chesley_sullenberger #miracle_on_the_hudson #us_airways_flight_1549 #alzheimer_s_association
