An investigation determined that an engine had been damaged after striking a flock of Canada Geese on takeoff from LaGuardia Airport.

Sullenberger told ABC News in an interview ahead of the 10th anniversary that during pilot training, flight simulators did not simulate a water landing, and he had only received classroom training on how to handle the situation. Upon hitting the water, Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles simultaneously said "That wasn't as bad as I thought!"