Higgins, in addition to above report on interviews with CA and FO, also reported on interviews with three FA, all with over 20 years with US (including time of 2 from Piedmont and 1 from Alleghany - merged to form USAir).
From what was said, I gather that "Brace for Impact" was the PA from the FD; and there was no verbal indication of a water landing. Of course, anyone with experience flying in and out of NYC would know by looking out the window that the plane was over the Hudson. That might be a factor in the lack of life jackets.
Last edited by kappa; 18th Jan 2009 at 01:13.