Originally Posted by
43Inches
Why would you test alternative options if it was not for the fact you were critical of the decision to land on the Hudson?
Perhaps it comes down to your definition of "critical". If you meant "expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults" of Sully's actions, then yes, the NTSB was "critical" and the simulations were part of that critical process. If, however, you meant "expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgements", then I respectfully disagree. I do not believe the NTSB expressed any such comments or judgements and the simulations were not the result of the NTSB's disapproval of Sully's actions. Given the tone and content of your other comments, I took you to mean the latter of those two definitions.
As far as I'm aware, the negative commentary regarding Sully's decision to ditch in the Hudson was the result of media speculation after the details of the simulations were made public. That commentary did not come from the NTSB. Happy to be proven wrong.
Even though the subsequent simulator tests confirmed his decision he still had to face a full panel in public, why?
Because that's what occurs with most major accidents investigated by the NTSB, especially in cases where there's a public interest. There was a lot more to the investigation than Sully's decision to ditch the aircraft.
So there is no doubt that following the landing on the Hudson the crew still had to justify their actions, even in a public circus for everyone to watch. So yes, Sully was put through a very public wringer involving media coverage, various releases like the outcome of the simulations and then the public inquiry. None of which would have been pleasant or comfortable to deal with for any normal human.
There's little doubt the whole process could be likened to Sully being "put through the wringer". It certainly would not have been pleasant. My bone of contention, however, is the notion that the NTSB was critical of Sully's ditching decision, which resulted in him being "put through the wringer" at the hearing. That is simply not true.