A Wing and a Prayer

Synopsis

They began operations out of England in the spring of '43. They flew their Flying Fortresses almost daily against strategic targets in Europe in the name of freedom. Their astonishing courage and appalling losses earned them the name that resounds in the annals of aerial warfare and made the "Bloody Hundredth" a legend.

Harry H. Crosby - soon to be portrayed by Anthony Boyle in the miniseries Masters of the Air developed by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg - arrived with the very first crews, and left with the very last. After dealing with his fear and gaining in skill and confidence, he was promoted to Group Navigator, surviving hairbreadth escapes and eluding death while leading thirty-seven missions, some of them involving two thousand aircraft.

Now, in a breathtaking and often humorous account, he takes us into the hearts and minds of these intrepid airmen to experience both the triumph and the white-knuckle terror of the war in the skies.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call

* Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger receives a routine phone call on January 15, 2009, assigning him to Flight 1549 from LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
* He meets with his crew, First Officer Jeffrey Skiles and Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh.

Chapter 2: The Takeoff

* The flight departs from LaGuardia at 3:26 PM.
* Sully reflects on his lifelong passion for flying and the safety principles he has always adhered to.
* Just minutes after takeoff, the plane strikes a flock of geese, disabling both engines.

Chapter 3: The Descent

* With no engine power, Sully realizes that he cannot reach any nearby airport.
* He considers ditching the plane in the Hudson River, but knows that it is a risky maneuver.
* Sully and Skiles work together to stabilize the plane and maintain control.

Chapter 4: The "Miracle on the Hudson"

* Sully guides the plane onto the surface of the Hudson River, just west of Manhattan.
* The plane skids across the water for about 3,000 feet before coming to a stop.
* All 155 passengers and crew members survive and evacuate safely.

Chapter 5: The Aftermath

* Sully and his crew are hailed as heroes.
* The investigation into the accident focuses on the role of the geese and the possibility of bird strikes.
* Sully receives numerous awards and recognition for his extraordinary actions.

Chapter 6: The Legacy

* The "Miracle on the Hudson" becomes a symbol of courage, resilience, and effective crisis management.
* Sully's story inspires others to embrace safety, follow their instincts, and never give up hope.
* The accident prompts changes in aviation regulations and procedures to prevent similar bird strikes.

Chapter 7: Beyond the Cockpit

* Sully shares his experiences from the accident and his insights on safety and leadership.
* He advocates for a "culture of safety" in all industries.
* Sully's story serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success.