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More information has been released about the emergency plane landing that occurred in the Hudson River near Newburgh on Monday night (March 2). The incident involved a Cessna 172 piloted by Liam D'Arcy, a 31-year-old flight instructor, and his 17-year-old student. The aircraft, which departed from Long Island MacArthur Airport for a training session, experienced mechanical issues shortly after taking off from Stewart International Airport.
According to officials, the student was initially in control of the plane, but D'Arcy took over when the aircraft began experiencing engine failure near the U.S. Military Academy. D'Arcy issued a mayday call and attempted to return to Stewart International Airport. However, realizing the runway was unreachable, he opted to land on the Hudson River. The plane landed on an ice-covered section of the river about 200 feet from the western shoreline, near the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
Both D'Arcy and his student managed to exit the aircraft and swim approximately 50 feet through icy waters to reach the shore. They were treated for hypothermia at a local hospital and have since been released. Governor Kathy Hochul referred to the incident as "another Miracle on the Hudson."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading the ongoing investigation, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Preliminary findings indicate no signs of intoxication or criminal activity, and the incident appears to be accidental.