I nearly dropped my phone when I saw the headline: Hero Pilot Captain Sully Shares Terrifying Theory on Why DC Plane Crash Happened. If there’s anyone I trust on aviation disasters, it’s Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger—the man who safely landed a jet on the Hudson River in 2009, saving 155 lives. Now, he’s warning about nighttime flights over water, which he believes played a tragic role in the recent crash near Washington, D.C.

Night Flight Complications
Sully suggests poor visibility over dark water contributed to the crash, which claimed 67 lives. Without ground lights reflecting off the water, spotting other aircraft is much harder. He explained that pilots rely only on an aircraft’s lights to judge altitude and distance—an incredibly challenging task. While air traffic controllers typically manage separation, pilots who confirm visual contact may take over. Sadly, something went wrong.

Runway Pressures and Staffing Issues
Sully highlighted Reagan National’s complex layout, short runways, and chronic understaffing. Reports suggest the controller was handling multiple aircraft at once. Investigators are now analyzing black box data for answers.

Sully’s warning is clear: nighttime flights, poor visibility, and staffing shortages create deadly risks. If even he’s concerned, the aviation industry must pay attention.