A single-engine plane that pulled off an ice landing on the Hudson River near Newburgh on Monday evening has been found, and the two people on board escaped with only minor injuries. Emergency crews hauled the pilot and passenger from the frigid water and took them for evaluation, in a rescue that officials and the governor say likely kept a scary situation from turning tragic.
Public flight-tracking data and local officials say the aircraft, described in local reporting as a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, left Long Island MacArthur Airport at about 6:55 p.m., circled near Stewart Airport and then made an emergency landing on the river just south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge around 7:55 p.m., according to the Times Union. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who was briefed by the U.S. Coast Guard, called the incident “Miracle on the Hudson part two.”
Another miracle on the Hudson. Thank God both the pilot and passenger of a single engine plane that performed an ice landing near Newburgh have been located with only minor injuries. Grateful to our first responders for their quick actions.
- Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 3, 2026
Officials Praise Rescuers
Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly weighed in on X, calling it “Another miracle on the Hudson” and thanking first responders for moving fast, as posted by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Her post landed while the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire and police units were still locking down the scene and checking on the two people pulled from the river.
Who Responded and What We Know
Responding agencies included the U.S. Coast Guard, the Air National Guard, New York State Police, the NYPD and several volunteer fire departments, according to the Times Union. Officials said both occupants were evaluated by medical crews and are expected to recover. The plane, however, took on significant water and suffered heavy damage, and authorities say it may not be salvageable.
Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have not released the names of the pilot or passenger and have not identified a likely cause of the emergency landing. Federal agencies typically take the lead on aircraft ditchings, coordinating with local partners on both the investigation and safety messaging. For background on how federal officials handle accidents and serious incidents, see the FAA. Recovery work and an environmental review of the river are underway while officials decide whether to attempt to raise what is left of the aircraft.
For now, the stretch of the Hudson just south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge remains under close watch as crews clear debris and monitor for any pollution risks. Commuters and recreational boaters along that corridor should be ready for temporary closures while the assessment and possible recovery operations continue.
