An up-close look at a ‘Miracle’

The crumpled bottom of the jet, which became detached when the plane made initial contact with the Hudson River, is positioned below the tail of the Airbus.  (John Bordsen / Chicago Tribune)

Next to the port wing of the jet is the left engine, which became detached on impact with the Hudson River. Its analysis after recovery proved both engines were disabled following post-liftoff bird strikes.  (John Bordsen / Chicago Tribune)

Volunteer docents provide details about the “Miracle on the Hudson” airliner at the museum. Among them is Ron Gipson, a Chicago native who moved to Charlotte 20 years ago.  (John Bordsen / Chicago Tribune)

Flight 1549 items in the museum’s gift-shop lobby: The jet is the centerpiece of the Carolinas Aviation Museum, about a three-minute cab ride from the airport terminal. Museum attendance more than doubled after “Sully” reached the big screen.  (John Bordsen / Chicago Tribune)

The left engine, still detached, has been reassembled. Look closely, and you can see dried “snarge” — guts of geese that crippled the engines — on its blades.  (John Bordsen / Chicago Tribune)