Two people are recovering after their aircraft went down in the icy Hudson River Monday evening, with both occupants managing to swim to safety following the crash.
The incident happened shortly after a single-engine Cessna 172 departed from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, according to Federal Aviation Administration officials.
First responders rushed to the reported crash location but had difficulty finding the downed aircraft initially, the Middle Hope Fire Department stated. The plane was discovered minutes later in the water near Newburgh, approximately 62 miles north of Manhattan.
Both the pilot and passenger received medical treatment at a local hospital for minor injuries that were not specified. Officials have not disclosed the identities of those involved.
The circumstances that led to the crash remain unknown as the FAA continues its investigation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul commended the rescue teams’ work, describing the successful rescue as “another miracle on the Hudson.” Her comment referenced the famous January 2009 incident when a US Airways aircraft struck birds and lost engine power after takeoff. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became renowned for successfully landing the disabled aircraft in the Hudson River, resulting in the rescue of all 155 passengers and crew members.
