Melanie Mitchell.
You travel often...
with the President?
Yes.
So you know everyone on the plane?
Yes.
I bet they like you, huh?
You're a nice person, yes?
I guess so.
Why are you afraid?
Because I don't wanna die.
Tell me...
what am I doing at this moment?
You're pointing a gun at me.
Thank you, Melanie.
This is to the secret service agent in the baggage deck.
I will count to ten.
And if you do not surrender, this nice woman will die.
One.
- Please don't. - Two.
- Don't do this! - Three.
- Let me talk to him! - Four.
- I beg you, please. - Five.
Let me talk to the agent.
- Six. - He might listen to me.
Seven.
- I beg you, don't do this. - Eight.
- Don't do this, please! - Nine!
Oh, God.
Let's think about that one for a moment.
And then we'll start again.
Next time...
I'll choose someone more important.
You want me dead.
It may come to that. In a war, people die.
This isn't war!
You just murdered an unarmed woman.
You, who murdered 100,000 Iraqis to save a nickel on a gallon of gas...
are going to lecture me about the rules of war?
Don't!
Mr. President, how can I help you?
Chief, you can help me dump some fuel.
Who's down there in the baggage deck?
- It's a secret service agent. Who? - We have no idea.
Melanie was shot because one of your men wouldn't show himself.
- I want to know who he is. - We'd like to know ourselves.
Sir, it's someone smart enough to know...
if you're hunting with one bullet, you wait for a clean shot.
What are you saying?
Whoever that is down there, he may be our only hope.
Our only hope is that Washington complies with this bastard.
Because any minute now another one of us is dead.
And you know what?
I'm afraid it might be me.
- Sir, do you see the maintenance panel? - I see it.
Pop it open. There should be a red switch. Toggle it up.
Hang on.
We got some indicator lights here.
To dump the fuel, you have to close the circuit for the pump.
There's no switch, so you'll have to cross the wires.
- Open the fuel control door. - Hang on.
There should be five of them.
- Do you see them, sir? - I see them. Yeah.
Jesus. There's a lot of goddamn wires. All right, wait a second.
We got five.
Green, yellow, red, white and blue.
Let me double-check.
Come on. For Christ's sake, hurry up.
Get the wrong wire, you'll cut the engine feeds. The plane will crash.
Then we don't want to get the wrong wire, do we?
Cut the green wire.
Cut.
- Then, cross the... With the... - With the what?
Hello? Cross it with the what? Say again.
Cross the green wire with the...
For Christ's sake!
Wait, green...
yellow...
I'm counting on you, red, white and blue.
Sirs, it looks like "Air Force One" is losing fuel.
Madam Vice President, the time has come for you to demonstrate your good faith.
I've been reading through your press kit.
I understand "Air Force One" is able to refuel in midair.
We need fuel. And we need it now.
I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement.
If you'll land the plane, we'll trade fuel for hostages.
This is bullshit!
It's simple physics. Without fuel, the plane crashes. Everybody dies.
We're trying to do everything that we can.
Tell me what I want to hear, or I will execute a member of the senior staff...
and continue killing one hostage every minute...
until the plane crash or refueling plane arrive!
What do you say?
Fuel's on its way.
Thank you.
Move.
- Jim, what are you doing here? - I never left.
Watch the door.
Where's my family?
Another part of the plane. We haven't seen them.
We got weapons now. We should try to retake the plane.
Not while they've got Grace and Alice. I can't take that chance.
What about trying to disable the plane and force them to land?
I tried. I dumped some fuel. Now they're gonna refuel us in midair.
A refueling tanker? Jesus! Sir?
- There may be a way to get people off. - What do you mean?
We have emergency parachutes in the tail cone, but we're too high.
If we could get a message to the refueling tanker...
get him to drop to 15,000 feet, we could jump.
They've disabled the phones. They control the radios.
- Mr. President? Sir? The fax machines. - The phone lines are out.
No. Voice lines and faxes are on two different systems of encryption.
If you disable one, it'd be easy to overlook the other.
If this works, you get to be postmaster general. Come with me.
- Get these people ready. - Yes. Remember.
15,000 feet and 200 knots. Otherwise it's suicide.
You'll need this.
Good luck, people.
- Where are we sending it? - Situation Room.
It makes me so proud that you stuck with us.
- Thanks. - Whatever happens.
Yes!
Madam Vice President, the attorney general is here.
- Thank you for coming, Andrew. - Good that you're here.
You want my interpretation of what the Constitution says about the situation?
Yes. Andrew, my understanding is...
that if the president is out of contact in a military situation...
the secretary of defense is in charge as second in command.
- Yes, of course. - Good. Then that settles it.
It doesn't settle it at all.
The president is not merely out of contact. He is also under duress.
His family is held hostage, possibly himself a hostage.
It creates an incapacity to discharge the office under the 25th amendment.
Surely just as if he'd had a stroke.
I think the president would dispute that any incapacity exists.
It exists if a majority of the cabinet, including yourself, says it exists.
The president may be alive, but he may not be the president.
Madam Vice President? I think you need to see this.
This is CNN breaking news.
We interrupt programming to bring you this breaking news bulletin.
CNN has received unconfirmed reports...
that "Air Force One" has crashed.
- Oh, my God! How did they get that? - I don't know.
The aircraft was en route from Moscow when it began its Mayday hail.
I repeat. We have unconfirmed reports...
Call the press room. We have to issue a statement.
that the president's plane has crashed in Eastern Europe.
- Has "Air Force One" crashed? - That is a rumor.
- Where'd the story come from? - I don't know where it came from.
Listen. I cannot confirm anything...
at this point.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a statement.
The president's plane, "Air Force One," has been hijacked.
Please.
Ladies and gentlemen, please let me finish.
For security reasons, I cannot divulge...
the identity of the hijackers or who was on board the plane.
But I'm here to assure the American people...
that we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation.
For the safety of all the people on the plane...
I cannot tell you any more than I have, and I'm sure you understand that.
Is James Marshall still the president?
I'm coordinating with the National Security Council...
pending the president's return.
And, yes, James Marshall is still the president.
At this time...
At this time, I would like to ask all Americans...
to pray for the safety of everyone on board "Air Force One."
Thank you.
The president.
Where is the president?
Folks, listen up. This is your main rip cord.
As soon as you clear the plane, give it a yank.
If your chute doesn't open, this is your reserve chute.
Pull it down. Clear?
"Air Force One," do you read?
Yes, we read. Go ahead.
"Air Force One," this is "Extender 1-0."
- We have been instructed to refuel you. - Go ahead.
Drop to 15,000 feet and slow to 200 knots.
Acknowledged. Two hundred.
- They got it! - They got the fax.
Sir, your chute.
- Please, sir. - I'm not leaving without my family.
Okay, "Air Force One," you need to open your receptacle door.
Pull the yellow lever on the upper control panel.
Done.
Go ahead and close distance nice and easy.
Almost there.
- Where are your chutes? - We stay with the president, sir.
Thank you.
All right, that's close enough. Here we go!
Go! Go!
Go! Come on!
Go! You, come on!
We got...
so far 25 chutes.
- I can't hold her. - What are you doing?
Break away! Break away!
Sir, take my hand!
Everybody, break now!
- Don't move! - Let me save him!
He's the president, for God's sake!
Grab my hand!
Major!
I got you.
We've lost the tanker? What else?
- They're counting 32 survivors. - That means they still have hostages.
- What about the first family? - No word yet.
Losing hostages will make the terrorists more desperate.
Madam Vice President, we've got "Air Force One" on the line.
This is Vice President Bennett. We're listening.
I now hold hostage...
the president of the United States of America.
Soon we shall enter the sovereign airspace of Kazakhstan.
You will cease your military escort at the border.
If you violate our airspace...
I will execute a member of the first family.
Tell our fighters to back off.
Get me Ops.
You said a presidential incapacity could be declared by a cabinet majority.
- Would you sign it? - Under the circumstances.
See who else would.
Move! Come on, move!
Fast! Move! Quick! Right here.
- It'll be all right. - I know.
You've been very busy downstairs.
Haven't you?
Killing my men.
You don't wanna do that.
I'm what you came for. Don't forget that.
Then I kill them.
Or just one.
You pick.
That's what you do in the White House. You play God.
Go ahead.
Which one lives?
Go ahead.
You're not here for this. You want something.
- What is it? - Radek.
- How can I do that? I can't. - Then you die, the three of you.
I'll do anything to save my family. Don't ask something I can't give!
The most powerful man on the earth. Suddenly, there are things you can't do.
This is very curious. Stop with your fucking lies!
- Petrov will never give up Radek. - Petrov is a dog.
He does what you tell him.
Tell him to do this.
Petrov used me. I just wanted to stop the bloodshed.
He wanted a personal victory. Petrov hates Radek.
Of course he hates Radek. Radek is everything he is not.
A great man, a strong man.
Are you saying...
he would refuse you?
You'd be playing right into his hands. Are you an idiot?
You'd make him into a hero. The man who stopped the terrorists.
Or better yet, the man who stopped me.
You talk as if you have nothing to do with this.
This is all your doing.
This infection you call freedom.
Without meaning, without purpose.
You have given my country...
to gangsters and prostitutes.
You have taken everything from us.
There is nothing left.
Call him.
Sit!
- No. - I have no choice.
- You have the choice. - Leave her alone. It's between us.
You lose a child, it hollows you out.
We're soldiers.
You take my life.
Have you no honor?
- I'll count to five. - No!
- It's gonna be all right, honey. - One.
- It's gonna be all right. - Two.
I'll do it.
Yes.
I'll do it.
You just leave my family alone.
Leave 'em alone.
Mr. President!
We just got an intercept.
The president called Petrov and asked him to release Radek.
- He can't do that! - He must have no choice.
We have a choice.
I have the signatures of the cabinet attesting to the president's incapacity.
- Sign it and you can overrule him. - No. I won't do that.
The United States does not negotiate with terrorists.
It's been our principle for 25 years.
You can't give in to them now.
It'll be open season on the United States. Many more will die.
Jim isn't making this decision as president, but as a husband and father.
History will judge you by what you do right now.
For God's sake, sign it.
I can now confirm that General Radek is in the process of being released.
I repeat. General Radek is now being released.
Yes, yes. General Radek has been released.
It is confirmed.
They are releasing the general.
Now what?
Now we return to our homeland...
where Radek will decide how best to use you...
now that we know you are willing...
to negotiate.
Our nation needs so many things.
- You said you were gonna release us. - Forgive me. I lied.
Listen.
- Sir, are you hit? - Stay with the major, honey.
- Alice, get in the cockpit. - Lie down.
- Let her go! - Not until Radek is safely away.
Call it off. Don't give up Radek.
If anything happens to the general, your wife will die!
You hear that? It's almost over, Mr. President.
Drop the gun!
You made one mistake when you killed my pilot, Mr. President.
No one left to fly the plane.
And no parachute.
Whatever happens...
you lose and I win.
Get off my plane!
You all right?
Go.
Go! Call Petrov!
They killed him.
Mr. President.
He almost got away. Did you hear me? Radek is dead.
Yes! It's the president. We have retaken the plane!
- I don't suppose you know how to fly. - No, sir.
- Come along. I'll need a copilot. - Yes, sir.
Nothing like this.
- Anybody there? - We're here, sir.
You got somebody that can help me fly this?
Sir, this is Colonel Jackson. We need to get you out of hostile territory.
- Good idea, Bob. - Look above the central video screen.
There's a series of L.E.D. numbers. One of them should read 1-1-0.
- Got it. - That's your course heading.
Just below, there's a knob surrounded by hash marks.
Turn that knob counterclockwise to 290.
- We're turning. - Good.
- This will take you out of Kazakhstan. - We're gonna be okay.
We can't land this plane on autopilot, so we'll need to go over a few things.
Where's the nearest safe landing site?
Incirlik, Turkey.
- General Northwood. - Madam?
What's that?
- That red dot represents MiGs. - On course to intercept "Air Force One."
Christ! They took off from Aktubinsk.
The base commander there is loyal to Radek.
General, send our fighters into Kazakhstan.
Order them to use any and all means to protect the president.
When you're on final approach, keep the throttles mid-range.
- Mr. President, can you hear me? - Yes, Kathryn.
We're tracking six MiGs closing on your position. I'm sending in...
our F-15s to protect you.
- Shit! - Did she say MiGs?
Yes, she said MiGs.
Get in that seat and put a seat belt on. We're having trouble.
These MiGs get closer, I'm gonna have to maneuver this thing.
How do I get it off autopilot?
Push the button on the yoke by your left thumb.
I'll try a little right turn.
Keep your moves smooth and steady. It's all flying.
Just step on the ball.
That's right. Just like riding a bike.
Halo Flight, we are cleared to commit, bearing 0-9-0.
Jettison tanks and push it up.
These MiGs, how far away are they?
Never mind.
- One coming. Countermeasures activated. - Left turn.
Jesus Christ!
- We need some help. - U.S. fighters, this is "Air Force One."
We are under attack. Where are you?
This is Halo Flight closing on your position. E. T.A. two minutes.
We may not be here!
We're hit!
Christ. We're on fire. We've got an engine on fire.
- Number four engine is on fire. - Pull the fire handle overhead.
I got it.
- We're rolling right. - Left rudder. You have to compensate.
- Do I pull back on number one engine? - Negative. You'll slow down.
- Knob. Aft pedestal. - Jesus Christ!
We got a red light. Looks like we're losing fuel.
Halo Flight.
Everybody lock a bandit.
Stand by for max range.
And Fox Three!
Kill one!
Kill two! Four more bandits bearing 0-9-0. Halo Flight engage!
Ha, ha! Good guys are here.
- Bug out west. We'll cover you. - You got it.
- Sir, pull up! You got one on your tail. - Get him off my tail!
Missile away.
- Break left and climb! - Shit! Sir, we've lost countermeasures.
This is "Halo 2." They've lost countermeasures. I'm going in.
Two's down! "Halo 2"is down!
"Air Force One," are you still with us?
Yes! We're still here.
Not so fast, you son of a bitch!
The last three MiGs are bugging out, sir.
- Bob, are you still there? - Yes, sir.
Got a little problem here. My rudder is sluggish.
Let me look.
Oh, man!
Sir, you're torn up pretty bad.
Do you have any elevator control?
It's sluggish, too. And we're still losing fuel.
We got a problem up here. Sirs, "Air Force One" is badly hit.
With the damage, there's no way they can land.
I'm sorry, sir.
- Thanks for your help. - I'll stay on your wing, sir.
Take it straight and steady until we figure out what to do.
Sir.
You did great.
They can't control the plane. Engines are failing and they're losing fuel.
There must be something we can do to help them.
- Is that our airstrip strike team? - Yeah. Why?
I just had a wild idea.
Time is critical. Start turning north.
- You'll get more details en route. - Yes, sir.
Change of orders acknowledged.
Try to hold your heading, sir. They'll rejoin in about 25 minutes.
All right.
- We know it's risky. - Understood.
But we are all out of options.
Yeah, baby?
It'll be okay. Everything's gonna work.
Concerned Americans have gathered at the White House...
to await word on the president and his family.
But CNN has learned that "Air Force One"...
is severely crippled and virtually unlandable.
Sources report that the first family is still trapped on board.
And a daring midair rescue operation is said to be underway.
"Air Force One," this is "Liberty 2-4" approaching on your left side.
- Do you read? - "Air Force One." Loud and clear.
Gibbs, they're here. Get the door.
- We'll need 10,000 feet and 200 knots. - We've got to get her slowed down.
"Air Force One" and "Liberty 2-4," this is "AWACS Blue Star."
We have you in radar contact.
"Liberty 2-4," they're almost out of fuel.
Roger.
"Air Force One," keep the wings level.
If the engines fail, sacrifice altitude to maintain airspeed.
Ready!
Back up. Easy.
"Air Force One," come left, six.
- How's my speed? - It's good. See if you can hold it.
A little more left, sir. Three, two, stop.
Take my arm! Pull me in!
Come on! Come on!
Good.
"Liberty," locked in. Where's the president?
Up in the cockpit.
- We lost another engine. - "Liberty," we lost another engine.
"Liberty 2-4." Acknowledged.
Sir, time to go.
- Who's gonna fly the plane? - I'll take care of that, sir. Got it.
Go!
Ramp to pilot. Second P.J.'s on the way.
- Mr. President, this way! - My family first.
- Sir, I have orders to take you off. - Them first.
"Blue Star," the third parajumper is boarding "Air Force One."
- Standing by for recovery. - Roger. Moving into receiver position.
- Dad? - You'll be all right, honey.
- Promise? - Promise.
Close your eyes.
You can do it. Just hold on tight.
She's okay.
- Hang on! - Ramp to pilot. We got her!
I'm right behind you.
Hang on. Good.
- You're next, sir. - Him next. He's wounded.
- You go. - Come on, Shep. Come on, pal.
We've lost another engine.
You're sinking too fast. We only have time for one more retrieval.
We're passing 3,000 feet. Impact in less than two minutes.
Get the president out of there!
Right here.
Easy there.
He's on.
- Get your arms ready. It's time to go. - What about the other team?
There's no time. I can only take one more.
No! We're all going!
That's impossible, sir. I have to take you.
It's time to get you off this plane. Go, sir.
Go!
Please go!
It was you?
- Give me the strap! - I trusted you with my life.
We have to release the cable. We're descending from 1200 feet.
I'm getting off this plane!
Seven hundred!
Five hundred!
We have to pull up!
"Blue Star." "Air Force One" is down.
I repeat. "Air Force One" is down.
"Liberty 2-4," do you have the president?
Right. You can do it.
- "Liberty," do you have the president? - Stand by.
Hang on!
We got him!
"Liberty 2-4"is changing call signs. "Liberty 2-4"is now...
"Air Force One"!
Mr. President, welcome aboard, sir.