'Miracle on the Hudson' Pilot Chesley Sullenberger Inducted Into National Aviation Hall of Fame

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the pilot who became internationally known for safely landing a disabled US Airways passenger jet on New York's Hudson River in 2009, has been inducted into the United States' National Aviation Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony took place in Washington, DC, honoring Sullenberger, 75, for the emergency landing that saved all people aboard the aircraft without loss of life. The event, which became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson," followed a bird strike shortly after takeoff that disabled both of the plane's engines.

The honor comes 17 years after the 2009 incident and roughly two months after Sullenberger publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Sullenberger has remained a prominent figure in aviation safety circles since the emergency landing, frequently speaking about crew training, decision-making under pressure, and airline safety standards.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to aerospace history, and Sullenberger's induction adds his name to a roster of pilots, engineers and aviation pioneers honored for their impact on the field.