Plane makes emergency landing in Hudson River; 2 swim to safety

"We're going into the Hudson River, I don't think we are gonna make the airport. The plane headed north toward the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, made a 180-degree turn, and touched down on an ice-covered stretch of the river roughly 200 feet from the western shoreline. Officials said Stewart air traffic controllers played a critical role, helping guide the aircraft closer to the riverbank."

"The Cessna 172 originated from Long Island MacArthur Airport around 6:30 p.m. during a scheduled night training session. According to investigators, the student pilot was at the controls for most of the trip as they headed north toward the Tappan Zee Bridge before touching down at Stewart International Airport around 7:30 p.m. for a stop-and-go maneuver, a routine training exercise."

"After taking off from Stewart and beginning the return leg to Long Island, the aircraft began experiencing mechanical problems near the U.S. Military Academy, officials said. Instructor Darcy took control and issued a mayday call, turning the plane back toward Stewart. Moments later, the engine failed for reasons still under investigation, forcing the aircraft into a glide."

A Cessna 172 aircraft carrying certified flight instructor Liam Darcy, 31, and a 17-year-old student pilot crashed into the Hudson River near Newburgh, New York on Monday night. The plane departed Long Island MacArthur Airport at 6:30 p.m. for a scheduled night training session, with the student controlling the aircraft for most of the flight. After a stop-and-go landing at Stewart International Airport, the aircraft experienced mechanical problems during the return leg near the U.S. Military Academy. Darcy assumed control, issued a mayday call, but the engine failed shortly after. Unable to reach the runway, Darcy chose to land on an ice-covered section of the Hudson River approximately 200 feet from shore. Both occupants successfully self-extricated and swam to safety with assistance from air traffic controllers and emergency responders.

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