Sully

Sully

Year: 2016

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

BiographyDrama

When Captain "Sully" Sullenberger's plane makes a heroic emergency landing on New York's Hudson River, he becomes an overnight hero. But as the inquiry into the incident unfolds, Sully faces scrutiny that puts his legendary skills and unblemished record under intense pressure, threatening to tarnish his reputation and career.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sully yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Sully (2016)
Trace every key event in Sully (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Flight Departure

On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles depart from LaGuardia Airport aboard US Airways Flight 1549. Their destination is Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and excitement fills the air as the flight embarks.

January 15, 2009 LaGuardia Airport
2

Bird Strike Incident

Just three minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of approximately 2,800 feet, the aircraft collides with a flock of birds. This unexpected obstacle causes severe damage to both engines, presenting an immediate and dire situation for Sully and Skiles.

Above New York City
3

Difficult Decision

Faced with the realization that returning to any nearby airport is unfeasible, Sully makes a critical decision. With limited options available and the situation deteriorating quickly, he resolves to ditch the plane in the Hudson River, showcasing his quick judgment under pressure.

Hudson River
4

Successful Water Landing

Sully executes a remarkable water landing on the Hudson River, leading to the successful evacuation of all passengers and crew members on board. Despite the gravity of the situation, every individual escapes with only mild injuries, marking a miraculous outcome.

Hudson River
5

Media Scrutiny

After the incident, Sully becomes a national hero but also faces intense media scrutiny. As he deals with the newfound fame, he struggles with the attention on his family, particularly his wife Lorraine, leading to feelings of trauma and helplessness.

New York City
6

Investigation Begins

While in New York City for the investigation, Sully realizes that data from the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System suggests the left engine was operational. This insight raises questions about the narrative surrounding the incident.

New York City
7

Clashing with Investigators

As the investigation intensifies, tensions rise between Sully, Skiles, and the investigative team. The findings indicate that the flight might have been able to land at LaGuardia or Teterboro, challenging Sully's decision and pushing him into a corner.

Investigation Meeting
8

The 208-Second Crisis

The crisis unfolds in just 208 seconds, capturing the essence of the flight's danger. Sully and Skiles's training and instincts come to the forefront as they navigate the emergency, highlighting their competence and professionalism in a life-threatening situation.

9

Simulations Revisited

Facing accusations of pilot error, Sully takes the initiative to have the flight simulations rerun. His efforts lead to demonstrations showing successful landings, which bolster his defense against the scrutiny and hint at the flaws in the initial investigations.

Simulation Center
10

First Call to Lorraine

Once aboard the ferry that rescues him and the passengers, Sully's first instinct is to call Lorraine. He urgently seeks confirmation that all 155 individuals on board survived the ordeal, expressing deep concern for their well-being.

Ferry on Hudson River
11

Teamwork Acknowledged

Throughout the investigations, Sully emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the bravery exhibited by his crew and rescue teams. He believes that their collective efforts and adherence to protocol played a crucial role in the successful outcome of the emergency landing.

12

Final Confirmation

In the conclusion of the investigation, it is confirmed that the left engine was indeed destroyed by the birds. This finding validates Sully's decisions made during the crisis, and he is finally able to vindicate himself against the allegations of pilot error.

Investigation Summary

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:30

Similar Movies to Sully
Discover movies like Sully that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.