Cessna 172 Crashes Into Hudson River; Two Survive Emergency Landing

A Cessna 172N Skyhawk (registration N1560E) crashed into the Hudson River approximately 2.3 miles south of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge near Newburgh, New York, on March 2, 2026, at around 8:02 p.m. during a night training flight. The aircraft, departing from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) for a scheduled lesson with a planned stop at Stewart International Airport (SWF), experienced engine failure. Flight instructor Liam D'Arcy declared a mayday and executed an emergency landing on ice-covered water 200 feet from shore.

Both occupants — D'Arcy and a 17-year-old student from Locust Valley, NY — self-extricated from the aircraft, swam to shore, and were treated for hypothermia at St. Luke's Hospital before being released. No fatalities occurred and no impairment was noted by investigators.

Investigation and Response

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary findings indicating accidental mechanical failure involving engine power and oil pressure loss. No criminal activity is suspected. A multi-agency response included New York State Police, Newburgh Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Office and EMS, fire and marine units, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The incident echoes the "Miracle on the Hudson" in January 2009, when Capt. Chesley Sullenberger successfully ditched US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike, with all 155 people aboard surviving. As the investigation continues, the aviation community will be monitoring for updates on the cause and any potential implications for flight training safety.