“Not everyone experiences a plane crash, yet nearly everyone experiences a traumatic event in their life.” – Dave Sanderson
On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson boarded US Airways Flight 1549 — a flight that would become known as The Miracle on the Hudson. After a bird strike took out both engines, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made the fateful decision to land in the Hudson River, saving all 155 people aboard.
In this episode, Dave shares what it was like inside the plane, the moments of courage and teamwork that followed, and how the experience reshaped his life. From standing waist-deep in freezing water to helping save a baby on the wing, Dave reflects on heroism, faith, and the power of post-traumatic growth.
We talk about:
The moment the captain called “Brace for impact”
Staying behind to help those in the rear of the plane
The first responders who made rescue possible
The “baby on the wing” moment
Post-Traumatic Growth and how to use adversity to rise
Faith, mindset, and choosing what matters most after tragedy
Dave now travels the world as a speaker and author, inspiring audiences to turn their own “personal plane crash” into a second chance.
Resources & Links
Website: davesandersonspeaks.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DaveSandersonSpeaks
Full blog post and transcript: ginajohnson.ca
Miracle in the Hudson Swim story: USMS.org Article
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are in distress, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional
