Michael Schwartz executed an emergency landing on the Major Deegan Expressway with his girlfriend at his side. Now, he's showing us how it all went down.
It's the miracle crash landing that astounded the nation.
A pilot cheated death when he landed his crippled plane on the Major Deegan Expressway in New York, which is one of America’s busiest highways.
Motorists who drove by couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Read: Pilot Lands on One of America's Busiest Highways
Businessman Michael Schwartz was at the controls. His girlfriend, Monica, was in the passenger seat.
Now, one year later, they're taking to the skies again to show INSIDE EDITION viewers what exactly happened that fateful day.
When the crash hit the headlines, it also landed Schwartz in big trouble at home. He was in the middle of a divorce! His wife had no idea he had a girlfriend. This time, he doesn't expect any turbulence in his private life or with his plane.
He told INSIDE EDITION, “I don't think lightning strikes twice.”
After a thorough safety check, Schwartz taxied for a takeoff. It was a picture perfect day with ideal conditions.
They flew down the Hudson River towards Manhattan. From above, they could see some of the world's most recognizable landmarks like he George Washington Bridge and World Trade Center.
Schwartz made a 360 turn at The Statue of Liberty for the return home. It was at this point in the journey, one year ago, that the engine stuttered.
Read: Shocked Man Wakes Up In Cargo Hold Mid-Flight Forcing Plane to Land
The tower cleared Schwartz to make an emergency landing at LaGuardia Airport.
In his call to distress call, the Tower told him, “You're about five-and-a-half minutes from LaGuardia.”
Schwartz replied, “I'll never make it. Where do I touchdown?”
“I'm not sure where you should touchdown it you're not going to make it,” replied the Tower.
Then, the propeller came to a complete stop. Schwartz was out of time, had to land and his only option was the highway!
One year later, the engine is purring. No emergency landing necessary. They returned safely to Danbury Airport in Connecticut.
After his current flight, Schwartz said, “It was good!”
This time their trip ended as it was meant to on a runway not a highway!
