New York Governor David Paterson couldn’t be more accurate when describing the crash of US Airways flight 1549 by calling it, “a miracle on the Hudson.” Believe me, this was indeed a miracle. Watching the video of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger crash-land into the Hudson River was truly remarkable. That everyone onboard survived is equally amazing.

As I watched this incredible event, I reflected on my airline near-misses and the many frightful moments experienced during my numerous years as a business air-traveler.

For many years, I flew multiple flights per week. I was a million-mile frequent flyer on two airlines. With that much flying, you might expect I have more near-miss stories than space here allows. I’ll share a few incidents with you, including a plane crash that actually saved my life…

There was the flight over Pittsburgh when the plane was hit by lightening; the snowy, December landing attempt at O’Hare in Chicago when the pilot pulled-out at the last second due to potentially faulty landing gear – then attempting to land again not knowing if the gear would hold; the sudden braking on take-off in Atlanta when a plane unbelievably crossed our runway path; the stormy ride from Chicago to Providence, which I swore we were not going to make it; the wind shear at DFW when I had no hope we would land safely; the snowy, harrowing landing at the ever-dangerous Reno-Tahoe Airport.

Those were just a few. However, none was more heart-thumping than the story of how a plane crash actually saved my life. Sounds crazy, but it’s true.

It was the early 1980s. I was on a flight from New York to New Bedford, Massachusetts. It was a very small Cessna aircraft. I sat two seats behind the pilot. As we approached the seaport village of New Bedford, there was pouring rain, fog, and limited visibility. I couldn’t see the runway. Then, suddenly, I knew we were in trouble when the pilot threw the plane down, hit the brakes, and yelled, “Oh, shit!” We immediately began hydroplaning – and I could see the end of the runway, which we were nearing sideways. For sure we were going to topple. Seconds later, we crashed into a muddy field. Fortunately, the plane did not overturn. We came to rest 150 feet from the runway and within a few feet of the woods. There were bumps, bruises, and heart palpitations…but other than that, everyone was fine.

Ironically, that plane crash saved my life.

A few months later, I was in Jacksonville, Florida. I was scheduled to take an early evening flight to Tampa. My flight was booked on Provincetown-Boston Airlines (PBA), the same airline on which I crashed in New Bedford. (Yes, PBA had routes in Florida, too.)  As I approached Jacksonville Airport, my stomach began churning, and I become very nervous. For the first time in my life, I was suddenly afraid to fly. I immediately asked my salesman to drop me off at the car rental. I would drive to Tampa. He thought I was nuts, as it was a 3 ½ hour ride. However, instinct and fear told me not to fly that night – especially on PBA.

After reaching Tampa that evening, I put on the late news in my hotel room. The emotion I felt as I listened to the news report is hard to describe. It was a combination of numbness, nausea, and shock. The PBA flight on which I was ticketed in Jacksonville crashed just after takeoff. All 13 people on board were killed.

The previous PBA crash in New Bedford just saved my life.

So, to all those aboard US Airways 1549, be thankful of a great pilot – and know that someone special was with you that day. It wasn’t your time. And, as difficult as it may be, get back on a plane as soon as possible. It’s really the safest way to travel.