"Forget the business about fly-by-wire and Normal Law and whatever other technological crap that anyone wants to bring up. Sully made the incredible decision to commit to an off-airport landing with no less than four major airports in about a 10 mile radius. That took guts, smarts, and a level of cool-headedness that no computer will ever attain. "

No less than 4 major airports within 10 miles. Was the best decision to ditch in the Hudson considering this fact? It all ended well so responses will reflect that. But think about it? How many of those airports could he have made? 10 miles is not very much, even at 3000 feet with one engine still producing power. I take nothing away from Sully's heroic decision to ditch, but that doesn't mean the conversation ends there. And you better believe the NTSB feels the same.