10 Heroic Pilots who Saved their Passengers’ lives

Captain Chesley “Sully” – Miracle on the Hudson

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese shortly after takeoff, disabling both engines. Captain Sullenberger safely glided the plane to a water landing on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board.

Captain Tammie Jo Shults – Southwest Flight 1380

In April 2018, Southwest Flight 1380 suffered an engine explosion, causing a window to break and rapid cabin depressurization. Captain Shults, a former Navy fighter pilot, calmly landed the plane, saving 148 lives.

Captain Richard de Crespigny – Qantas Flight 32

On November 4, 2010, Qantas Flight 32 experienced an engine explosion shortly after takeoff. Captain de Crespigny managed to safely land the Airbus A380 back in Singapore, with all 469 passengers and crew unharmed.

Captain Alfred Haynes – United Airlines Flight 232

In July 1989, United Flight 232 lost all hydraulic controls due to an engine failure. Captain Haynes, with the help of his crew and a passenger pilot, crash-landed the plane in Sioux City, Iowa. Despite the crash, 185 of the 296 people on board survived.​

Captain Robert Pearson – The Gimli Glider

In 1983, Air Canada Flight 143 ran out of fuel mid-flight due to a miscalculation. Captain Pearson, an experienced glider pilot, safely landed the Boeing 767 on an old airstrip in Gimli, Manitoba, with no injuries to the 69 people on board.​

Captain Denny Fitch – United Airlines Flight 232

Also on United Flight 232, off-duty pilot Denny Fitch assisted in controlling the plane after the hydraulic failure. His efforts, alongside Captain Haynes, contributed to the survival of many passengers during the emergency landing.​

Captain Eric Moody – British Airways Flight 9

In 1982, British Airways Flight 9 flew through a volcanic ash cloud, causing all four engines to fail. Captain Moody managed to restart the engines and safely land the Boeing 747 in Jakarta, Indonesia, saving all 263 people on board.​

Captain Carlos Dardano – TACA Flight 110

In May 1988, TACA Flight 110 lost both engines due to severe weather. Captain Dardano glided the Boeing 737 and executed an emergency landing on a levee near New Orleans. All 45 people on board survived.​

Captain Ruben Ocaña – Aeroméxico Flight 229

In 1983, Aeroméxico Flight 229 experienced a landing gear failure. Captain Ocaña skillfully landed the DC-9 on its belly at Mallow Racecourse in Ireland. All 104 passengers and crew survived without serious injuries.​

Captain Robert Piché – Air Transat Flight 236

In August 2001, Air Transat Flight 236 ran out of fuel over the Atlantic Ocean due to a leak. Captain Piché glided the Airbus A330 for about 75 miles and landed safely in the Azores, saving all 306 people on board.