The jet reportedly was taken out by a flock of birds. Passengers told reporters they could smell smoke and then the plane just started turning.
(NEW YORK) - A U.S. Airways jet has gone down in the Hudson River off New York City. More than 150 people are reported to be aboard the aircraft which amazingly, did not break up or catch fire during the crash into the water.
At this time, the plane is mostly above water and barges and rescue vessels are pulled up alongside to remove the passengers.
New York has been the scene of bitter cold winter weather and rescue experts say that is making the job of reaching the aircraft and retrieving the people more difficult.
The FAA reports that nobody aboard the U.S. Airways Airbus A320 died in the crash, which had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport.
The jet reportedly was taken out by a flock of birds. Passengers told reporters they could smell smoke and then the plane just started turning.
One passenger told CNN they knew something was going on, "cause look, we were turning back," he said.
"Somehow, the plane stayed afloat and we were all able to get on a raft," Pinero said.
"It's just incredible now that everyone's still alive."The pilot radioed to air traffic controllers that he had experienced a bird strike and declared an emergency, a New Jersey State Police source told CNN.
Another passenger said, "I think the captain did a hell of a job".
Here is an MSNBC video report on today's crash:
Video
Everyone Lives During U.S. Airways Crash in Hudson Bay (VIDEO)Salem-News.com