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Impact and Survival

Dave remembers thinking, “No one survives a plane crash.” The impact was hard, especially for passengers and crew in the rear, where flight attendant Doreen showed remarkable composure. Even when a rear door was opened and icy water began pouring in, her 30+ years of training kicked in, keeping people calm and moving.

Ironically, a passenger opening that door was following standard safety instructions — but in this unique situation, if Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger had followed his instructions to return to the airport, the outcome might have been tragically different.

Staying Behind for Others

As the back of the plane filled with 36°F (2°C) water, Dave heard his late mother’s voice: “If you do the right thing, God will take care of you.” He stayed to help those in the rear exit first. With no room on the wings, he stood in waist-deep freezing water for six minutes, stepping over floating luggage in the dark until rescue boats arrived.

Heroes on the Hudson

Dave is quick to credit the real heroes — the first responders. New York Waterway ferries, under the leadership of Arthur E. Imperatore, gave up their revenue for the day to rescue passengers. Firefighters, ferry crews, “aqua guys,” the flight crew, and the pilot’s split-second decisions all transformed what could have been a disaster into a miracle.

The Baby on the Wing

In the Sully film, a mother is shown passing her baby to another passenger before impact. That moment was based on truth. On the wing, a mother stood frozen, holding a baby and watching over her 3-year-old. Drawing on skills from his years as head of security for Tony Robbins, Dave shouted, “Throw the baby!” — knowing it was radical enough to snap her out of shock. She handed the baby to rescuers, and both children made it to safety. Later, she sent Dave a thank-you and a photo of the baby at age three.

Post-Traumatic Growth

Why do some people develop PTSD while others experience Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)? Dave explores this question in his talks, including his TED Talk Jolt. He’s spoken with survivors of Hurricane Sandy, the Oklahoma tornadoes, and veterans, sharing strategies on mindset, asking the right questions, and using adversity as a springboard for growth.

Faith on the Flight

Faith was a quiet but powerful presence that day. One woman recited the Lord’s Prayer at the rear of the plane, reminding passengers of a greater place beyond this life. For Dave, prayer and a belief in God’s presence were central to his survival and recovery.

Life After the Hudson

The experience transformed Dave’s priorities. Realizing his children valued his time more than his career achievements, he left his corporate job to start his own business, structuring life around family events instead of the other way around.

Today, Dave travels the world sharing leadership and resilience messages under his mantra: #MomentsMatter. He believes everyone will face their own “personal plane crash” — a moment of profound upheaval — and has the chance to turn it into a second chance.

Update

In 2022, Dave returned to the Hudson River for a successful open-water swim at the crash site, 13 years later.

• Website: davesandersonspeaks.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/DaveSandersonSpeaks
• Full interview: [Spotify]

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. If you are in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.