A small plane departing from Long Island crashed into the icy Hudson River Monday night while attempting an emergency landing, with both people on board surviving after swimming through frigid waters to shore, authorities said, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Plane taking off from Long Island crashes into icy Hudson River during emergency landing https://t.co/o7vupS6UWw [2] pic.twitter.com/h4fYJnMAJO [3]
— New York Post (@nypost) March 3, 2026 [4]
The Cessna 172, carrying two individuals, went down in the Hudson River east of New York Stewart International Airport at approximately 8 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus told News 12 that the single-engine aircraft, which had taken off from a Long Island airport, was near the southbound side of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge when it reportedly lost power and plunged into the river.
Emergency responders initially had difficulty locating the aircraft.
It was later found in Newburgh, where photos released by the Middle Hope Fire Department showed the plane partially submerged among large blocks of floating ice in the Hudson River.
Fire officials said the pilot and passenger survived the impact. After the crash, both individuals exited the aircraft and swam to shore despite the freezing water conditions.
Neuhaus later wrote on Facebook that both individuals were transported to local hospitals and are expected to make a full recovery.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated the privately owned plane departed Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma at approximately 6:55 p.m. The aircraft crashed into the Hudson River roughly an hour later.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the incident in a post on X late Monday, describing the outcome as “another miracle on the Hudson.”
On January 15th 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 crash-landed on the Hudson River with no fatalities, causing it to be dubbed,
“Miracle on the Hudson.”
All 155 passengers made it off the plane safely thanks to the amazing flight crew pic.twitter.com/p9DZUGsOfp [5]
— Wake Up NJ New Jersey (@wakeupnj) January 16, 2026 [6]
“Thank God both the pilot and passenger of a single-engine plane that performed an ice landing near Newburgh have been located with only minor injuries,” Hochul wrote.
Another miracle on the Hudson.
Thank God both the pilot and passenger of a single engine plane that performed an ice landing near Newburgh have been located with only minor injuries.
Grateful to our first responders for their quick actions.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 3, 2026 [7]
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan of New York also posted on X that his office was closely monitoring developments.
“I’m in touch with officials on the ground, who have shared that both passengers are safely out of the water & have been evacuated by EMS,” Ryan said.
“Incredibly grateful for our Hudson Valley first responders who are responding swiftly and put their lives on the line to keep others safe.”
I’m closely monitoring reports of a small plane making an emergency landing near the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
I’m in touch with officials on the ground, who have shared that both passengers are safely out of the water & have been evacuated by EMS.
Incredibly grateful for our…
— Rep. Pat Ryan (@RepPatRyanNY) March 3, 2026 [8]
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it will investigate the crash, including the circumstances that led to the reported loss of power and emergency landing attempt.
The crash occurred in a section of the Hudson River known for heavy winter ice, complicating response efforts. Officials credited first responders for locating the aircraft and assisting in the rescue under difficult conditions.
Authorities have not released the names of the pilot or passenger. No additional injuries were reported.
The investigation remains ongoing.