On Monday night, a small aircraft originating from Long Island dramatically descended into the chilly waters of the Hudson River, forcing the pilot and passenger to make a daring swim to safety, as reported by authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration informed The Post that the Cessna 172, carrying two individuals, crashed into the Hudson River near New York Stewart International Airport at approximately 8 p.m.
While flying from a Long Island airstrip, the single-engine plane experienced a power failure near the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge’s southern span, leading to its plunge into the river, as detailed by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus to News 12.
Initially, emergency teams struggled to locate the aircraft. However, they eventually discovered it submerged in the waters of Newburgh, surrounded by floating ice, according to images shared by the Middle Hope Fire Department.
Both the pilot and passenger managed to survive the crash, exiting the plane and swimming through the icy river to reach the shore, as confirmed by fire officials.
Neuhaus mentioned on Facebook that both individuals were transported to nearby hospitals and are expected to recover fully.
Data from Flightradar24 showed that the privately owned plane left from Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma around 6:55 p.m. and crashed into the major waterway about an hour later.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the safe rescue of the two people “another miracle on the Hudson,” in a post on X late Monday.
“Thank God both the pilot and passenger of a single-engine plane that performed an ice landing near Newburgh have been located with only minor injuries,” she wrote.
New York Rep. Pat Ryan also posted on X that his office has been closely monitoring reports of the crash.
“I’m in touch with officials on the ground, who have shared that both passengers are safely out of the water & have been evacuated by EMS,” he said.
“Incredibly grateful for our Hudson Valley first responders who are responding swiftly and put their lives on the line to keep others safe.”
The FAA will investigate the incident, including its cause.
