O relatório completo do NTSB pode ser encontrado aqui e é a fonte oficial de informações sobre o incidente. De acordo com esse relatório, Sullunberger imediatamente iniciou a APU que entregou energia e eles determinaram que não precisavam manualmente implantar o RAT. No entanto, os sistemas embarcados implantaram-no automaticamente como resultado da perda de potência inicial e velocidade relativa suficiente (acima de 100Kts).
Regarding step e, the pilots stated that they determined that electrical power was established and, therefore, that the RAT did not need to be manually deployed. Further, immediately after the loss of engine thrust, the captain started the APU.
Isso pode ser ouvido na transcrição oficial
At 1527:14, the first officer stated, “uh oh,” followed by the captain stating, “we got one rol- both of ‘em rolling back.” At 1527:18, the cockpit area microphone (CAM) recorded the beginning of a rumbling sound.
At 1527:19, the captain stated, “[engine] ignition, start,” and, about 2 seconds later, “I’m starting the APU [auxiliary power unit].”5
At 1527:23, the captain took over control of the airplane, stating, “my aircraft.”
No entanto, o RAT foi encontrado para ser implantado (devido aos sistemas automáticos na aeronave) quando a célula foi recuperada
When all of the airplane’s electrical power is lost and the airplane has an airspeed greater than 100 knots (kts), the RAT will automatically deploy and begin providing electrical power. The RAT was found in the extended position when the airplane was recovered from the water.