- Was ALL the THRUST lost (difficult to believe)?
Unlikely but how long does it take to discover what is and what isn't available, and when it will be back on-line (answering a question with a question)
- Considering the height and speed reached, was there no way for an early return to the departure field?
Quick mental computation and quick decision making at this height saved the day... not farting about. Even if it was theoretically within range, you do not know that the flaps, u/c and other complications will make it the wrong decision down the line... e.g. #1 at 3,000 and descending fast, minimise turns (esp. near the ground), minimise complexity (of everything), minimise out of cockpit distractions.
You go for what is 100% doable, not 89% likely.. The Hudson was doable, and he did it - Bravo!
It's
that thinking in the first 30 seconds or so, that characterised the glider pilot/light a/c pilot thinking, familar with low, slow, and having to go with the flow. (the alignment, approach speed and final flare need be little different than a normal landing, certainly no slower, you do NOT want to drop a wing!)
- Other options available?
You mean the auxiliary jet-pack, or parachutes
Sorry, couldn't resist...