Pilot of the "Miracle on the Hudson": Sullenberger diagnosed with Alzheimer's

The 75-year-old became famous on January 15, 2009, with an emergency water landing on the Hudson River. After a bird strike in both engines, he steered a fully occupied Airbus A320 through an outstanding maneuver onto the Hudson River, thus preventing a catastrophe. All 150 passengers and all five crew members survived the landing on the water in front of the New York skyline.

Sullenberger was the last person on board when leaving the sinking aircraft and reportedly checked the wreckage once more to make sure no one was left behind. The event went down in history as the "Miracle on the Hudson" and made him a national hero in the United States. At the time of the emergency landing, the former military pilot had 40 years of flight experience.

The "Miracle on the Hudson"

After the emergency landing, Sullenberger was celebrated as a hero throughout the USA. He retired in 2010 and subsequently continued to work as an expert in flight safety and accident investigation. He also wrote an autobiography titled "Man muss kein Held sein" ("Highest Duty"), in which he described his view of the events.

His story was adapted into a film in 2016 by Clint Eastwood under the title "Sully," with Tom Hanks in the lead role. During the water landing, the aircraft did not tip over and did not break apart, even though it hit the water at high speed.

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's involves the death of nerve cells in the brain, leading to forgetfulness, confusion, language disorders, and disorientation. The disease is the most common form of dementia. The progression is usually gradual; so far there is no cure.

With the step of going public, Sullenberger said he wants to help break the silence surrounding the disease. Those affected and their relatives have reported for years that an early diagnosis and open communication can help better organize everyday life with the disease.

Reactions and Background

Reactions from the aviation industry were not initially available on Monday. Organizations that advocate for awareness of neurodegenerative diseases pointed out that prominent sufferers like Sullenberger could noticeably change public perception of the disease.

According to professional associations, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia; worldwide, several million people are estimated to be affected. Early warning signs include declining short-term memory, difficulties in planning, or problems with orientation. A medical evaluation is recommended as soon as such symptoms become noticeable in everyday life.