Captain Sully Warns of Night Flight Risks in DC Plane Crash

Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, famed for the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” has weighed in on the recent Washington, D.C., plane crash that claimed 67 lives. He suspects poor nighttime visibility over water played a role, making it harder for pilots to judge altitude and distance.

Speaking on Good Morning America, Sully explained that pilots rely on lights to see other aircraft, but when visibility fails, disasters can occur. He also highlighted concerns about air traffic control staffing at Reagan National Airport, where controllers juggle multiple tasks amid complex airspace.

Investigators are analyzing black box data, and early reports suggest communication lapses may have contributed. Sully’s warning underscores the need for improved night flight protocols, better training, and addressing staffing shortages to prevent future tragedies.