The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, formerly known as the Carolinas Aviation Museum, is now housing the Airbus A320 involved in the famous “Miracle on the Hudson.” The aircraft, registered as N106US, became famous in 2009 when its commander, Chesley B. Sullenberger, known as “Sully”, made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York.
After the temporary closure of the Carolinas Aviation Museum in 2019 for renovation works and the construction of a new hangar, the A320 was moved to a temporary location. Now, the aircraft is back at the museum in its new home. Currently, the plane is without its wings and vertical stabilizer to facilitate transfers and avoid damage, but they will be reinstalled once the plane is in its final position.
In addition to the A320, all other aircraft will also be reinstalled in the new hangar, which will be more spacious and have better lighting. The museum will also feature digital and interactive content to explain the history of these aircraft. The museum is expected to reopen to the public next summer, in its new facilities at Charlotte Airport in North Carolina.
The story of the A320 from the “Miracle on the Hudson” is widely known. In January 2009, the plane collided with a flock of geese shortly after takeoff, losing both engines. Pilot Sullenberger made the decision to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River, avoiding a catastrophe in densely populated areas of New York. All passengers were quickly evacuated by boats passing through the area.
Two years after the accident, the Carolinas Aviation Museum acquired the fuselage of the aircraft and began the work of displaying it as an important piece in its collection. The plane is now on display at the site, renamed as the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
