Black boxes back up hero pilot's story

The black boxes recovered from the US Airways jetliner that safely splashed down in the Hudson River in New York City last week captured thumping sounds, the sudden loss of engine power and the pilot's calm mayday request - evidence that seems to back up the crew's account of hitting a flock of birds shortly after take off.

The pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, credited with helping save the lives of all 155 people aboard, reports that the plane has hit birds and lost both engines shortly after investigators heard "the sound of thumps and a rapid decrease in engine sounds," said Kitty Higgins of the National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB.

Sullenberger then discussed alternate landings at New Jersey airports before deciding to attempt a river landing, she said. Ninety seconds before ditching the plane, he told passengers to "brace for impact" and informed controllers "they will be in the Hudson River," Higgins said.