Pilot who landed plane on the Hudson reveals early-stage Alzheimer’s battle

Former Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, the aviation hero who amazed the world with the unforgettable landing of an airplane on the Hudson River in New York in 2009, has shared personal news: he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a post on his official page, the 75-year-old pilot said the diagnosis came recently and that the condition is still in its early stages.

“For now, this means I may forget a name, lose track of a story I just told, or have disrupted sleep, but I am at the beginning of this long journey,” he said in his statement. Sullenberger emphasized that experiencing this situation has made him think more deeply about the meaning of service and has decided to be open about the illness.

His name entered the annals of history on January 15, 2009, when, as captain of US Airways Flight 1549 from New York to North Carolina, he faced a terrifying emergency: after striking a flock of birds, both engines lost power and he performed an extraordinary landing on the waters of the Hudson. His quick decision meant all 155 people on board emerged without injury.

This event was hailed as one of the most spectacular rescues in civil aviation history and was turned into a 2016 film titled “Sully,” with the great Tom Hanks bringing the captain’s figure to the screen.

In his latest message, Sullenberger recalled a phrase he has often used about that flight: “Courage can be contagious.” Now, he admits he needs that same strength of spirit to face the challenge of Alzheimer’s.

“I have become part of a much larger community, and I have faith that together we will all get through this trial,” he concluded.