Many US Airways (LCC) passengers who endured a crash landing in the Hudson River 12 days ago say they appreciate the $5,000 that the airline has offered — but some say it’s not enough.

Joe Hart, a salesman from Charlotte who suffered a bloody nose and bruises, says he “would like to be made whole for the incident.”

It’s too soon after the accident to determine what emotional distress he has suffered, he says.

He’s one of 150 passengers who were dramatically rescued Jan. 15, when the Charlotte-bound Airbus A320 jet safely ditched into the frigid river off Midtown Manhattan. A pilot on the plane told air-traffic controllers that birds struck the plane before both engines failed after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

After the crash, US Airways sent passengers a letter of apology, a $5,000 check to assist “with immediate needs” and reimbursement for the ticket.

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Hart says he has talked to a lawyer in North Carolina but hasn’t decided whether to take any legal action.

“I want to see how things play out with US Airways,” he says. “I’m hopeful US Airways understands the significance of the incident.”

Kreindler & Kreindler, a New York law firm that has represented plaintiffs in crashes, says it has been contacted by several passengers on the US Airways flight.

The firm’s lawyers are determining what injuries and emotional distress passengers may have suffered, and what parties might be liable under New York state law, says Noah Kushlefsky, a partner in the firm.

I can understand the airline paying for lost luggage and tickets but this incident appears to be an act of God… If you what to blame someone and extract your pound flesh blame the geese… Or more appropriately the environmentalists, animal rights advocates and government bureaucrats who have made damn near impossible to control geese populations around airports.

H/T: Rachel Lucas.

Media reports indicate the Airbus A320 struck a flock of geese shortly after take off from LaGuardia Airport.

Serious Bravo Zulus and Sierra Hotels to the flight crew… Setting that aircraft down in the river intact was one hell of a piece of flying!

Update: Michelle Malkin has a profile of the pilot, Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger.