The survival of flight 1549 is explained by four specific factors

The National Transportation Safety Board published its final report on May 4, 2010 after eighteen months of investigation into the ditching in the Hudson River. The event finds its cause in the ingestion of birds by both engines, causing an almost total loss of thrust. The happy outcome relies in particular on the pilots' decision, the certification of the A320 for overwater flight, the work of the crew and the promptness of the rescuers.