plane droning]
On April 10 1945, units of the 72nd Squadron
of the Royal Air Force crossed the boundary of Germany
under the command of Canadian Squadron Leader Ted Stryker.
Their mission, penetrate enemy fighter cover
and hold the formation intact for a vital incendiary raid
on the German supply depots of Wiesbaden.
At 0730, 12 miles from the target
enemy fighters were sighted directly ahead.
Stryker led his planes to meet them.
Using the thick fog banks below as a cover
the Spitfires eluded the remaining German fighters
and reformed for the initial run on the target.
Although Stryker's weather briefing reports
had indicated that Wiesbaden would be clear
the fog had closed in over the entire area.
There were two possible decisions.
Pass up the vital target for a less important alternate
to the south or maintain the descent relying completely
on instruments and a possible break in the fog
near the ground level.
Stryker went for the vital target.
Too late he realized his mistake.
Blinded by the fog, six of Stryker's men
crashed into the German countryside.
Five weeks later, the war in Europe was over.
But for Squadron Leader Stryker
seriously wounded in the course of the raid
a new kind of war was just beginning.
'It's closed in, Ted. What about the alternate target?'
'Can't see anything in this fog.'
- 'I think we're off course.' - 'We're on course.'
'We're too low, Ted. We're too low!'
Mm-hmm.
It seems to be healing very nicely..
...everything considered.
Pressure on the optic nerve is almost completely gone.
Is there any pain left in there?
No.
Keep looking straight ahead.
I heard about that meeting at headquarters this morning.
You're taking all the blame for what happened on that raid.
It was a pretty courageous thing to do.
Was it?
Because of my mistake, six men didn't return from that raid.
What's the good of condemning yourself?
Nothing you can do about it now.
No, there's nothing I can do about it.
That doesn't mean I can live with it.
You're gonna have to sooner or later.
You might as well get used to it.
You don't, you haven't got much of a life ahead of you.
That's easy to say.
Those were my men.
We've been through a lot together.
They were depending on me.
They'd be going home now if I hadn't failed them.
What about failing yourself?
You know, I, I've been watching you
the past few weeks here at the hospital.
Seeing no one, speaking to no one.
You're on the run, Stryker.
You gotta face what happened.
'Forget it. Nobody's got a corner on mistakes.'
In a war or any other time.
Good luck, Stryker.
But you have the authority to hire
anybody you want, haven't you?
After they're cleared for the kind of
highly classified government work we're doing, yes.
What is it? My war record again?
No, not really.
You're the only one keeping that alive.
For most people, it's ancient history.
- You expect me to believe that? - 'It's the truth.'
Frankly, what bothers us is your record since the war.
Twelve jobs in ten years.
And not one of them shows you can accept any responsibility.
'Not one of them was worthy of a man'
'of your training and experience.'
But I've stayed away from the thing I was really trained for.
You know why.
But now..
Look, Frank, I may be all the things they say I am
but I think I can handle that job and I need it very badly.
My wife and I..
Well, we're right at the breaking point.
I'll do anything you say if you'll just give me a chance.
'I won't let you down, Frank. I promise you.'
Alright, I'll see what I can do.
Thanks.
Hi, Mrs. Purty. Anything for me?
No. There's one for your wife.
Say, it looks like you two
are going to do a little celebrating.
Oh, everything the law allows.
After all, this is a pretty special occasion.
I bet I know. You got that job you've been wanting.
It looks that way. I'll tell you all about it later.
Ellen?
Oh, Ellen, I think..
Ellen! Ellen.
- When do we take off, mom? - Oh, any minute now, dear.
They've almost finished loading the baggage.
We'll be taking off in a few minutes, sir.
Do you want to take the empty seat right up there?
Thank you.
You feel alright, sir?
Oh, I haven't been up for a long time.
Would you like some Dramamine?
There's only room for one man in there.
- Ted. - Dad!
- I thought you weren't coming. - Hi, Joey.
I came home early and found your note.
I guess you meant for me to read it later.
Ellen, I've got to talk to you.
Joey can sit in my seat back there.
I just don't wanna go over it anymore.
I just thought..
How'd you like to go up in the cockpit, Joey?
Could we?
I'll check with the stewardess
and see if they'll let us up there.
Be reasonable, Janet.
I can't help breaking our date in Vancouver.
I've gotta be in Seattle by tomorrow night
or I'll lose the late club job.
You know what it means if I can work myself into that MC spot?
We could be married by summer.
That sounds a little familiar, like one of your routines.
I'm sure whatever your reasons are
they're excellent, Mr. Decker.
- Thank you. - Your name, sir?
- Stryker. - St.. Oh, yes, Mr. Stryker.
I was just speaking to your wife and little boy.
I didn't know you were traveling together.
That's alright. Look.
I wonder if you could do me a favor?
My boy has never been inside of a cockpit before
and like all kids, he's crazy about planes and pilots.
Oh, I'm sure we can arrange that.
Temperature's creeping up again on number 3, Bill.
I'll open the cowl flaps a little more.
It's still running a little hot.
We have visitors.
- Hello. - Hi.
This is Captain Wilson and our First Officer Mr. Stewart.
And this is Mr. Stryker and his son, Joey.
We don't want to be in the way up here
but I just thought the boy might have a quick look.
- You feeling any better? - Yeah, I'm okay now.
I'll be serving dinner pretty soon.
We have a choice tonight.
Grilled halibut or lamb chops.
I'll try the fish. It was pretty good last week.
- Same for me, Janet. - Okay.
That's what I'd like, too, please.
Alright, I'll serve it as soon as you come back.
What about you, Mr. Stryker?
- I'll have the meat, thank you. - Alright.
Come on, move up here. You can see better.
Joey, here's something we give our special visitors.
Would you like to have it?
Thank you. Thanks a lot.
You ever been in a cockpit before?
No, sir. I've never been up in a plane before.
- How do you like it? - Swell.
Are those the things that work the propellers?
- How'd you know that? - My dad.
He was a flyer in the war. He flew jets.
I've told you before, Joey, they didn't have jets when I flew.
Oh, well, he flew a lot anyway. Fighters.
Shot down a lot of planes too. Didn't you, dad?
- Joey. - And you never fly anymore?
I thought you service guys never got it out of your system.
Do you want me to check the weather, Bill?
No, I'll get it. Excuse me.
We better get back now.
Uh, Joey can stay up here for a while if he'd like to.
- Could I, dad? - Okay.
If you don't get in the way. Thanks very much.
Flight 714 to Winnipeg Radio.
Climbing, climbing to cruise 8000.
What's the latest on the weather, please?
'It's not good. Looks like snow and ice crystals around Regina.'
'Most likely some fog in an hour or two.'
'But you're not going into Calgary'
'so that shouldn't bother you.'
What's the forecast in Vancouver?
'Should be alright when the fog clears, captain.'
Flight 714. Thanks a lot.
Well, Joey, what do you think of all this?
Would you like to grow up and be a pilot like your dad?
Try it again with me, Ellen.
- Just try. - I have.
I've-I've tried to believe that you'd take hold somewhere.
Ted, face it for once.
We've been on the run ever since the war.
Different cities, different jobs.
And all the time, you've kept growing
further and further away from Joey and me.
He's needed you, Ted.
I've needed you, but you were never there.
I know things haven't been right for a long time, Ellen.
But it'll be different.
Like it was in the beginning. Remember?
I remember everything.
It's all I've ever had to go on.
Mostly I remember..
...the nights when we were together.
I remember how you used to hold me..
...and then afterwards how we'd watch
until the sun finally came up.
When it did, it was almost like..
...like each new day was created only for us.
That's the way I've always wanted it to be
no matter what's happened, Ellen.
But I remember other things too.
How you began to change right in front of my eyes.
Everything that we had together, Ted, is..
...it's gotten lost somewhere.
It isn't what you did, it's more and more
what you didn't do.
Maybe I should have been of more help to you..
...but you wouldn't even let me do that.
All I've ever wanted was to see you stop running away.
'To face the one big mistake you ever made in your whole life.'
It's the kind of a mistake that any man could make under fire.
And I've waited, waited so long
for you to make a stand somewhere
for the three of us.
I will. I promise.
Joey and I can't live any longer on your promises. I'm sorry.
Don't you feel anything for me at all anymore?
It takes so many things to make love last.
Most of all, it takes respect.
I can't live with a man I don't respect.
Here, put it in the cupboard, quick.
Boys.
It's-it's just a drop of water, you know.
Are you about ready for something to eat?
Well, we're about worked up to it at that.
What would you like? Grilled halibut or lamb chops?
Well, now isn't this just like home?
I'll have a wee bit of the halibut.
- Uh, the chips come with it? - Well, no, not chips.
But we have the specialty of the house.
We have au gratin potatoes.
- Uh-huh. - What about you, gentlemen?
I believe I'll have the meat, miss.
- And so will I. - Okay.
Say, why don't you come to the big game with us tomorrow?
It should be a good one, you know.
Oh, I don't know anything about football.
Well, you'll be right at home with my two friends here.
They don't know anything about it either.
Oh, I can hardly believe that.
You just don't understand
this new formation the Argos have.
This chap goes way out into the flat
where he can take off fast or go long.
That's what they call a flanker.
And you just cannot defense against it.
- We'll see you later, Joey. - Okay. Thanks a lot.
- Nice boy, huh? - Sure is.
Hey, we've been waiting for you. Little bit late tonight.
- Who wants to be first? - Go ahead, Walt. I got it.
Okay.
- How's the weather? - Not so good.
We've got some heavy stuff ahead of us.
It might get rough unless we can climb on top.
Oh, do you think we'll get in on time?
About a half hour late, I'd say.
- Hey, Jan. - Yeah?
How are you and that boyfriend of yours doing back there?
You think you'll ever get him to the altar?
I'll get him there if I have to drag him every inch of the way.
After all, remember I've been trained
for every kind of emergency.
- How's the fish? - Hmm, not bad. Not bad at all.
Uh, save me some seconds if you have some leftover, huh?
Save you some seconds?
Mr. Stewart, I think with your appetite
that this airline can't afford you any longer.
Well, back to the kitchen.
I sure wish you had flown jets, dad.
I'm afraid they're a little too fast for me, Joey.
Why don't you fly anymore? I wish you would.
Then you could take me up with you.
Maybe you could even teach me to fly.
That would be great. We could have a lot of fun.
I just don't seem to have the time anymore, Joey.
You never have time for anything.
I know.
- Dad? - Yes?
Why were mom and me going away without you?
Well, Joey, your mother felt that it might be a good idea
for you two to have a little trip together.
And I just didn't know whether I could go or not
until the last minute.
I was afraid that we weren't going to see you again ever.
Where did you ever get that idea?
Are you finished?
Oh, thank you. I don't like this rain, love.
Our boys would get hurt on a wet field.
It's gonna clear off in Vancouver by tomorrow
Mr. Whitmond. We just got that report.
Well, I'm glad to hear it. I can rest a bit easier now.
You see, between you and me
I have some fairly nice wagers on the contest tomorrow.
Oh, well, I wish you a lot of luck.
Well, thank you very much.
Would you care for a drop, madam?
Certainly not.
I had such a good sleep.
'Wait a minute, I think there's someone staring at us.'
Paddy, we're on an airplane.
There are other people with us, remember?
He's not joining our act now, is he, Tony?
You know I work alone. Oh, stop.
I'll-I'll find out for meself.
'Excuse me, young man. Are you in show business?'
- Who, me? - He's a nice-looking boy.
He might be movie material.
Say, what's his name?
Paddy. He works for me.
Hello, darling. Oh, fasten your safety belts.
It's going to be a rough ride.
It certainly is. Joey, here's your dinner.
'You didn't bring me my dinner, darling.'
- Well, what would you like? - A little kiss.
Not now, later.
He's got a one-track mind just like me.
Oh, Paddy, you're impossible.
- Yes? - Oh, I, I can't stand it.
- What-what is it? - I can't stand it.
My stomach.
I never felt anything like it before.
Help me. Please, help me.
Just a moment, I'll get you some Dramamine.
'Help me.'
- Yes? - Captain.
One of the woman passengers is very sick.
- Airsick? - I think so.
But I've never seen it so acute.
Find out if there's a doctor onboard as quietly as you can.
I'll be back as soon as we get over this weather.
'We're running out into icing conditions.'
Can you clear us to get over it at 10,000 feet?
'Okay, ATC clears Flight 714 to 10,000.'
- 'Go ahead.' - 714 to ATC, thank you.
Here these pills should help you. Now try to relax.
'The captain will be back to see you in just a moment.'
Thank you. How long before we land?
- 'Almost five hours.' - Oh.
I'm sorry I had to wake you. There's no emergency.
It's just a passenger who's in a little discomfort.
And we thought perhaps a doctor could help.
So go back to sleep. Fasten your safety belts.
We'll be out of the storm in a little while.
- Stewardess. - Yes?
I think the man next to me is a doctor.
Oh, thank you. Sir?
Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry to have to wake you.
- Are you a doctor? - That's right.
We have a passenger who's very sick.
Could you come and take a look at her?
Yes, yes, of course.
My boy's sick to his stomach.
It's like airsickness. Only it's a lot of worse.
I've never seen anything like it before.
Well, this gentleman's a doctor.
I'll be with you in a moment.
Try to keep him as quiet as you can.
Alright. But hurry, will you, doctor?
This gentleman is a doctor. He's going to help you.
May I see your tongue, please?
- Now is the pain there? - No, up.
There?
This might help you.
I'll be back in a minute.
You better tell the captain.
We've got to land as soon as we can.
This woman has to be gotten to a hospital.
- What do you think it is? - Well, I can't be sure yet.
But I know it's serious enough to land at the nearest city
with hospital facilities.
Better tell the captain I want to speak to him.
Certainly.
Put this around you, Joey. It'll keep you warm.
Hello, son. Sorry you're not feeling well.
Would you put your tongue out, please?
What's he had to eat in the last 24 hours?
Oh, just the usual things.
Bacon and poached eggs for breakfast.
A roast beef sandwich at noon and, uh, dinner on the plane.
Uh-huh. Well, these should help him.
- Thank you. - I'll be back in a minute.
- Captain, how soon can we land? - Can't.
- Why? - Weather conditions.
Fog has closed down everything this side
of the mountains. We'll have to go through to Vancouver.
Well, is that faster than turning back?
Yes, we passed the point of no return.
Well, how soon do you expect to land?
About, uh, 0215 Pacific Time. Roughly four hours from now.
Well, I'll just have to do what I can.
Get him out of there.
What is it, doctor? What's happening?
There's a common denominator to these attacks.
There's got to be.
Most likely thing is food.
What was it we had for dinner tonight?
Well, the main course was meat or fish.
Oh, yes, yes. I remember I had meat.
- What did he have? - Fish.
- And the two sick passengers? - Well, the little boy had fish.
I don't remember about the woman.
Well, find out quickly, please.
- Yes. - Well, stewardess.
My wife is very sick. Can you do something, please?
Well, the doctor will be with you in just a moment.
One thing. Do you know what she had for dinner?
Yes, of course, we both had fish. Why?
Oh, it's nothing to be alarmed about.
We'll get back to you very quickly.
We'll need ambulances standing by
and the hospital should be notified.
They have to have special equipment ready.
Right.
Is there any chance at all of landing near Calgary?
- None. - Doctor?
The woman ate fish, too, and there are two more cases
and they ate fish.
Well, now we know what we're facing.
Find out everybody on the plane who had fish
and help me get medicine to them.
Captain, better notify Vancouver to put a ban on serving any food
from the source that furnished that fish.
- Doctor? - Yeah.
I just remembered something.
I ate fish too.
'Oh, darling.'
Oh, here, sweetheart.
Now try to stay covered, Joey. I know it hurts, darling.
But your father's just gone for the doctor.
Stewardess, what's going on?
Just keep your seat, please.
Joey's worse. I've got to see the doctor.
He'll be with you in a minute. Several people are ill.
- We're doing all we can. - What's the matter?
- Does he know what it is? - You better talk to him.
- Can I help? - Oh, yes, Tony.
Would you help me give out the medicine?
Sure.
Calgary Radio, this is 714. We're in trouble.
'We've got to have all altitudes below us cleared'
'and priority approach in landing at Vancouver.'
'Go ahead.'
Stand by, 714.
Air Traffic Control, Vancouver, priority message.
Calgary Radio for Vancouver dispatcher, holding.
This is Cross Canada Calgary Radio.
Flight 714 notifies emergency.
Wants all lower altitudes cleared.
Priority approach in landing. Holding.
Flight 714 notifies emergency.
'Hold all takeoffs. That's right.'
'I don't want another plane in the air.'
I don't care what the commitments are.
Charter Flight 714 is in trouble. Food poisoning.
I can't go into detail now
but it's coming in without a co-pilot.
That's what I said.
The co-pilot's unconscious
and there's a chance the food poisoning
will strike the captain too.
What about that Air Force North Star?
Just reported at 18,000.
Tower, when the North Star reports
bring it straight in and clear Green Airway 1.
Yeah, we'll let you know the minute anything happens.
You don't really believe there's a chance of that, do you?
The captain getting sick, I mean.
You read the message.
This is going to be a real sweat.
Better take this in to Burdick.
Put out a general bulletin to suspend all meal service
on non-scheduled flights out of Winnipeg.
And try to keep everyone out of this area.
We don't want a mob out here.
What's the latest on the weather at Calgary?
Closed right down. Low stratus and ground fog.
So are Edmonton and Lethridge.
You working them direct?
No, through Calgary.
Alright, get a message through.
Ask them if they've got a doctor on board.
And tell them we're getting the best possible
medical advice here. Get me Dr. Davidson.
You'll find his home number in the emergency list.
Then get me the police.
I want the weather on every kind of landing field
on their side of the mountains. You understand?
Any place where there's a chance to land this plane.
No dice. Calgary's run that check.
There's fog down to the deck everywhere east of the Rockies.
They'll have to come through.
How long ago did Calgary talk to Captain Wilson?
- About ten minutes. - Is he still feeling alright?
Hasn't affected him at all so far.
He's got to fight it off.
'The morphine should help you hold it off.'
- Do you still feel alright? - Yeah.
Well, there's seldom any logic to these things.
You might not be affected at all.
How are the people back there?
We'll take care of them alright.
You're sure there's no possibility
of the weather clearing long enough for us to land
before we start over the mountains?
Not a chance.
I better get back.
I think I'll tell them all what's causing the trouble
if you agree.
Go ahead.
Doctor.
I'm glad you're here.
May I have your attention, please?
My name is Baird. I'm a doctor.
As you know, some of the passengers are sick.
We suspect that the fish which was served for dinner
'might have been contaminated. There's no cause for alarm.'
Even if you had fish for dinner, you might not be affected.
And if you did have fish, we'll tell you what to do.
The boy's in an awful lot of pain.
Can you do anything for him?
He'll be asleep before long.
Keep him quiet and warm. That's your job.
What's going on up there?
I think I have a right to know.
Don't worry. Everything's alright.
Dad, don't leave me.
I won't, Joey.
Pardon me. Mr. Whitmond, did you have meat or fish for dinner?
- I had the blinkin' fish. - Well, here, take these pills.
- They'll make you sick. - Fine. How do you do?
This is, they give your dinner
and come around and ask for it back.
Captain?
Captain Wilson?
Quickly. It's the captain!
Bill!
You've got to give me something
so I can hold out till we land.
You understand?
The automatic pilot will fly itself
on this course, but I've got to take it in.
- Oh, watch the controls. - I know. Get a blanket.
Alright. We've got to keep him warm.
Doctor, can you do it? Can you help him make a landing?
Stewardess. Wh-what's your first name?
Janet.
Well, Janet, you're a member of this crew.
Can you face some unpleasant facts?
- I think so. - Alright.
Unless I can get all these people to a hospital quickly
I can't even be sure of saving their lives.
I don't understand? What is it?
There was something toxic in that food tonight.
Some kind of bacteria poisoning.
- How did it get there? - There are hundreds of ways.
That's not important. Now what is important
these people need hospital facilities.
Stimulants, intravenous treatment for shock.
Oh, but the pilots. How are we gonna land?
Is there anybody else onboard who can land this plane?
There's no one onboard from the airline.
I don't know about anybody else.
- How many passengers are there? - Thirty eight.
I think you ought to know what our chances are.
The life of everybody aboard depends on just one thing.
Finding someone back there who not only can fly this plane
but who didn't have fish for dinner.
Well, I suppose I better begin asking.
Wait, I don't want the passengers to know yet.
- It might start a panic. - Oh, what am I gonna tell them?
Tell them, uh, tell them the first officer is sick
and the captain wondered if there's someone
with flying experience who can help with the radio.
Do you understand, Janet?
- Yes, doctor. - Okay.
Excuse me, but the first officer's ill
and-and the captain would like someone
with flying experience to help him with the radio.
Do you know anything about planes?
I flew in the war, but that was a long time ago.
I wouldn't know anything about it.
Would you go up, please?
The stewardess said..
Not both pilots?
Can you fly this airplane and land it?
No, not a chance.
Doctor, I've asked everyone. Mr. Stryker's the only one.
What flying experience have you had?
Well, I was a fighter pilot in the war
but I flew little combat planes with only one engine.
This has four. There's no comparison.
The flying characteristics are completely different.
It's a different kind of flying altogether.
Besides, I haven't touched any kind of a plane for ten years.
Mr. Stryker, I know nothing about flying.
All I know is this.
You're the only person on this plane
who can possibly fly it.
You're the only chance we've got.
Are you sure? What about the pilots?
You're a doctor. Can't you do something?
Unless I can get all these people to a hospital quickly
I can't be sure of saving their lives.
And, Mr. Stryker, the same thing is true of your son.
How long can they stay alive without help?
Two hours, maybe.
Two and a half at the most.
What are you gonna tell the people back there?
Nothing yet.
Better tell my wife something. She's expecting me back.
She must be brought up here. She'll have to know about this.
- Janet, better go and get her. - Yes.
Wait. What about our boy?
Oh, I'll see that he's taken care of.
Let's see.
Altitude.
'10,000 feet.'
Level flight.
Airspeed, 140 knots.
Course, 290.
We're on automatic pilot. Thankful for that.
'Ground controls, 2000 rpm.'
Trim, mixture
landing gear, flaps.
Should be an indicator somewhere.
There it is.
Well, I need a checklist for landing.
'Maybe we can get that on the radio.'
Doctor, did they say anything about the weather?
Well, the captain said we were near Calgary
but we couldn't land because of bad weather.
- Fog? - Yeah.
It's closed down everything around here.
He said we'd have to go through to Vancouver.
- Across the mountains? - That's right.
What about Vancouver? Is it clear at Vancouver?
I think it will be by the time we get there. It's got to be.
Ted, what are you doing? You can't fly this plane.
That's what I've been trying to tell these people, Ellen.
But they seem to have other ideas.
Mrs. Stryker, I haven't time to put this gently
so I'll be very direct. Both pilots are sick.
Every one of us on this plane is in a desperate situation.
'Yes, including your son.'
Your husband is the only hope we've got.
But he isn't--
If we're gonna come through this, he's gonna need
some faith from all of us including you.
'Do I make myself clear, Mrs. Stryker?'
I understand.
I'm gonna need someone to help me up here
to work the radio and a few other things.
You're the only one of the crew left, stewardess.
I need her with the passengers.
Then get someone else.
Well, the fewer people know about this, the better.
Mrs. Stryker, you better stay with your husband.
- But Joey's so sick-- - No, you can do more here.
- I'll look after your boy. - He's right, Ellen.
Get in this seat and strap yourself in, will you?
Oh, Ted, I don't know anything about all this.
- We're starting even. - Well, I'm going back now.
Oh, stewardess.
You must have watched the pilots a lot.
Do you know how the radio works?
They've added a lot of gizmos since I did any flying.
It's the panel down here they use. I know that.
Where's the VHF?
Oh, they-they do something with that thing up there.
That's the frequency selector.
We better leave that where it is.
Oh, but they do something with the little knob.
Oh, that's it. Transmit.
This is Flight 714, isn't it?
Yes. I'd better go help the doctor.
- Mr. Stryker? - Yes?
- Good luck. - Thanks.
Ellen, you'd better put on that other headset.
I'm not going to try to kid you, Ellen.
This is gonna be tough.
So if you want to go back with the others..
- I'll stay. - 'Alright.'
Now let's see. What do I do now?
- Call Mayday, I guess. - What does that mean?
That's a pilot's call for help when he's up against it.
Takes precedence over anything else.
Oh, here goes.
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.
This is Cross Canada Charter Flight
Flight 714 in distress.
Come in, anyone.
714, this is Calgary Radio. Pass your message.
Calgary to all stations, 714 called Mayday.
Frequency 126.7 now closed to all other traffic.
My name is Ted Stryker.
I'm a passenger on this airplane.
Correction, I was a passenger.
Where are the pilots?
'Both pilots are seriously ill.'
He's fading.
Vancouver, this is Calgary.
We're getting a Mayday from 714.
It's coming in now. Right.
Winnipeg, are you on the line?
714 called Mayday.
No details yet. Get Ballard. Hold, please.
714 called Mayday. Stand by.
714 called Mayday. Clear everything and hold all traffic.
'And all my flying has been done in single-engine fighters.'
And also, I haven't done any flying for ten years.
'So what you'd better do is get someone on this radio'
'who can give me instructions in flying this plane'
'and landing it.'
That's the story.
It's your move down there.
You wanna take a bet that stirred up some excitement?
'Calgary to 714. Stand by, please.'
Okay.
Well, I guess I'd better get myself oriented.
Tell Calgary to acknowledge and have him stand by.
Tell him we're getting help. We'll be on the air
with him as soon as we can.
Winnipeg on the wire, Harry.
Ballard says he knows something about this man Stryker.
Burdick here.
We'll do everything we can.
Yes, I understand.
Get every piece of emergency equipment you can reach.
Alerted every mile of the way from here to the mountains.
And I want every light you can get poured on that field.
Might try praying a little too.
They're gonna need it. Get me Captain Treleaven.
He flew with this man Stryker in the war, Ballard tells me.
He knows him inside out. We've got to have him.
Then get me my office.
How about some coffee, Johnny? Strong.
Your office, line 4.
Is that you, Max?
I want a complete cockpit diagram
for DC-4 and a pre-landing flight check.
I'm in the dispatch office and I want them over here fast.
Right.
Yup. The last ETA we had was 0215 local time.
We'll want all air traffic cleared from this area.
This guy doing the flying's
had no airline experience at all.
He'll be a menace to himself and everything else in the air.
Alright, let's work for that.
I'll call you if there's a change in time.
It's gonna be a late night.
'Harry, Captain Treleaven's not in.'
- I have his babysitter on. - Okay.
Get a police car to pick him up as soon as I locate him.
This is the operations manager at the airport.
Now this is very important.
Do you know where Captain Treleaven
was going this evening?
What did you say?
I can't hear you.
Can you please tell me where
Captain Treleaven was going this evening?
Oh, just a minute.
? 'Cause my intention is to go away ?
? To go go go go far away ?
What did you want?
Please, this is urgent. Where is Captain Treleaven?
Uh, I think he said they were going to Hotel Vancouver.
Yeah, uh, the Panorama Roof.
Sure. Bye.
? Far away away oh yeah ??
What's the matter with them down there?
Calgary, this is 714.
Have you any message for me yet? Go ahead.
'Stand by, 714.'
'Vancouver is doing everything possible.'
'We'll be calling you very shortly.'
Okay.
Look, Ellen, in a little while
I'm gonna be pretty busy in here.
You'd better take over the radio from here in.
- How will I know what to do? - There's nothing to it.
Just take that microphone. There, that's the one.
Push that button on the side when you're ready to talk.
I'll tell you what to say.
Chief, this is Cross Canada dispatcher.
We have an emergency on Flight 714 due here at 0215 local time.
Maybe a crash landing.
Stand by with everything you've got.
And alert the Air Force too.
And will you call the city fire department?
They may wanna move equipment into the area.
Right. Got the city police?
On your line now.
This is Cross Canada Charter.
Who is this, please?
Oh, inspector. We're in bad trouble.
Have you told Nebraska yet?
I've got a call in to Montreal now.
They're not gonna like this.
Well, that'd be a real help, won't it?
We've got to get a statement to the press.
Better get Cliff Howard here to handle it.
Okay. And the boss on the line now.
Number 3.
No, sir. He isn't qualified.
But I've got a senior captain coming in.
He flew with Stryker in the war.
Of course, it's a terrible risk
but can you think of something better?
No, I haven't given any statement to the press.
- Howard's coming in for that. - Harry.
Their ETA is 0215 Pacific Time.
I've got a lot to do, sir. I'd better get on with it.
I'll call you as soon as I know anything more.
Bye.
Well, that's the whole story, Martin. Everything we know.
Alright, Harry, let's face a few facts.
As you know, I flew with this man Stryker during the war.
What you don't know is
that doesn't make my job any easier here tonight.
Frankly, I think you'd be a lot better off
if you got somebody else who doesn't know him at all.
I don't think that has anything to do with it.
It has everything to do with it.
In the first place, I think it's a mistake if he knows
that I'm the man who's talking him in.
He'll have a million things on his mind
without being reminded of those days when
well, when things weren't so good.
Right now, things aren't so good.
And while we're talking, there are 38 lives
waiting on us for a decision.
Let me tell you something.
Ted Stryker was a crack flight leader up to a point
but he was one of those men who..
Well, let's just say he felt too much inside.
Maybe you know the kind.
Ate his heart out over every name on the casualty list.
Well, what's wrong with that?
I'll tell you what's the matter with that.
He went all to pieces on one particular mission.
I've never felt there was the slightest excuse for it.
The upshot of it all was that everything turned sour.
He left some mighty fine men behind him.
Now I may be wrong. I hope I am.
But my feeling is that when the going gets really rough
upstairs tonight, Ted Stryker's gonna fold up.
- That's all I can tell you. - Look, Martin.
I want you to get on the horn and talk this guy down
no matter what you think.
Now you're gonna have to let him get the feel
of this airplane on the way.
You'll have to give him a landing check.
You'll have to talk him onto the approach.
And so help me, you'll have to talk him
right down to the ground.
Alright, Burdick, I just want you to know
what we have to contend with.
Very well. It's settled.
- Who's got the cigarettes? - 'Here.'
- Matches? - Yeah.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking.
Alright, let's get started.
- Can you work 714 direct now? - Yeah, reception's good.
- We can take over anytime. - Okay.
Calgary Radio, Vancouver Radio.
We'll work 714 ourselves now.
714, this is Calgary Radio.
Vancouver Radio is taking over now and will work you direct.
Keep your transmitter at the same frequency.
And, 714, good luck. Over.
Thanks, Calgary.
714 standing by for Vancouver.
The one hope we have is to build this man up.
I've got to give him all the confidence I can
along with the technical end of it.
If he keeps calm, cool, does what I tell him
we'll bring that plane in.
But above all else, I don't want him to know
that I'm as full of doubts as I got to admit I am.
Alright, let's go. Put Stryker on the speaker.
Okay. You can use that hand mic there.
Flight 714, this is Vancouver. Can you read? Go ahead.
There they are. I'll talk to them first.
Yes, Vancouver. We read you. Go ahead, please.
Okay, captain. It's all yours.
Hello, Flight 714. This is Vancouver.
Stryker.
Stryker, this is Captain Martin Treleaven speaking.
If you read me, go ahead.
Yes, Captain Treleaven.
I read you loud and clear. Go ahead.
Alright, it's obvious you remember me.
So what do you say you and I just forget about everything
except what we have to do now?
You and I are gonna bring this plane in together.
Before we start, I'd like to say something.
I know that right now things must look pretty rough up there
but if you do what I tell you when I tell you to do it
there's no reason you can't bring that plane in.
Let's not kid each other, Treleaven.
You know I've never flown a bucket like this
and I haven't been at the controls for over 10 years.
I'm going to need all the luck there is, and then some.
Alright, Stryker, now you listen to me
and you listen close.
You begin thinking that way
and we're finished before we start.
Flying is no different than riding a bicycle.
It just happens to be something you never forget.
Now are you still on automatic pilot? Go ahead.
Yes, we're still on automatic pilot.
Very well.
You just make yourself comfortable up there.
In a minute, I'd like you to disengage the automatic pilot
and begin to get the feel of the controls.
But first, let me tell you, the controls will feel
very heavy compared with a fighter.
Don't worry about that. It's perfectly normal.
'You must watch your airspeed closely.'
'Don't let it fall below 120.'
'Now I know you recognize the importance of that'
'but I would like to repeat it.'
'Under no circumstances must you let that airspeed'
'fall below 120 miles per hour.'
Now there's one other thing.
Have you someone up there who can work the radio
and leave you free for flying?
Yes, I have a..
...a passenger here with me who will take over the radio.
Alright. I'm going to unlock the automatic pilot.
The radio's all yours now.
Keep your eye on that airspeed.
Listen, I got a lot of work to do with this man
but we might as well start planning the approach
on the landing while there's plenty of time.
Get the chief radar operator up here, will you?
Tell him I want to talk to him.
Hello, Stryker.
How are you makin' out? You got the feel of it yet?
Tell him we're on manual now, trying out some shallow turns.
I should have asked you this before.
What kind of weather you in up there?
- Rain. - And a little ice.
And a little ice.
Start your deicers working.
The control is on the fuse panel at your left knee.
Deicers on.
Tell him we're coming into some heavy clouds.
We'll be on instruments.
How does she handle now, Stryker?
Sluggish, like a wet sponge.
'Sluggish, like a wet sponge.'
Well, as I told you, to begin with, that's perfectly natural
because you're used to handling smaller airplanes.
The radar chief's on his way up.
Tell him to get the lead out. Hello, Stryker.
Watch any violent movement of the controls
like you used to make in Spitfires and Mustangs.
If you do move the controls violently
you will overcorrect and be in trouble.
Is that clear? Go ahead.
Tell him I understand.
Yes, Vancouver. He understands.
Now I want you to try climbing.
Leave your throttle the way it is.
Bring your airplane to approach speed, which is 130.
That should put you in a very gentle climb
but whatever else you do, watch that airspeed closely.
Oh, we're going to crash! I know we are!
Please, try to be calm.
The doctor will be here in a moment.
See, we've leveled out again. Look. See?
She'll be alright now.
- How are you feeling now? - I feel terrible.
I didn't need those pills to make me sick.
And never mind tonight's dinner.
Right now, I'm working on yesterday's breakfast.
Would you keep him covered, Mrs. Summers?
Yes, certainly.
Hi, Joey. How's the boy?
Your stomach still hurt?
Say, you know, Paddy's been askin' about you.
Paddy. Hey, Paddy.
There he is. Hiya, Paddy.
'Say, you know, he doesn't look so good either.'
Paddy, let me see your tongue.
Now come on. Let me see your tongue.
'Come on now.'
Ooh, you know, I've seen it look better.
Paddy, why don't you stay right here with Joey
and he'll take good care of you?
Okay.
Okay. There you are.
I'll just take you off here
and you take good care of him, Joey.
Put him right in there.
Oh, that's good. Now lift your hand up there
and I'll show you how to do it.
Hey, how are you, Paddy? Fine.
Okay. You two try to get some sleep, alright?
We'll be there before you know it.
Okay, Joey.
As soon as he shows up on your radar
you can feed me the information and I'll relay it.
- How about the final approach? - We'll handle it the same way.
As soon as you have him in the scope and he's steady
on the course, we'll move to the tower.
You report up there, we'll decide on the runway
and plan the final approach. Understood?
Yes, sir.
Tell him we're on top of the clouds at 11,000 feet
leveled off.
'We're now on top of the clouds'
'at 11,000 feet and we're leveled off.'
What is your present heading, Stryker?
Tell him the compass is still about 290.
Uh, the compass is still at 290.
Alright. Try to stay on that heading.
You may be a few miles off course, but we can correct
that easily when you get in radar range.
Right now, I want you to feel how the ship handles
at lower speeds when the flaps and the gear are down.
But don't do anything until I give you the word.
Is that understood? Go ahead.
Yes, we understand, Vancouver.
Alright, Stryker.
The first thing is to throttle back slightly
get your airspeed steady at 120
and then tell me when you're ready.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Ellen, what's the airspeed?
You'll have to call it off when we land
so you may as well start practicing now.
'140, 135, 130'
125, 120
'115, 110.'
That's too low. He said 120.
I know. I know. Watch it!
115, 120.
125.
120.
- Steady at 120. - Tell them.
Hello.
'Our airspeed is now steady at 120.'
Now, Stryker, I want you to put down 20 degrees of flap.
Be careful not to make it any more.
The flap handle is on the lower right-hand side
of the control pedestal.
20 degrees will mean
moving the handle down to the second notch.
You'll have to put the flaps down, Ellen.
There's the handle there.
'Can you see the flap indicator, Stryker?'
'It's near the center of the main panel.'
There's the indicator he's talking about.
When I tell you, put the handle down two notches.
- And watch that indicator. - Alright.
Tell them we're going to put the flaps down now.
'We're going to put the flaps down now.'
Okay, 714. Go ahead with your flaps.
Then when they're down, get your airspeed steady at 120
adjust your trim and call me once again.
20 degrees of flap, Ellen.
Alright.
The flaps are down and the airspeed is steady at 120.
Alright, Stryker, the next thing is to drop your gear
and then you'll have the feel of the ship
as it will be when you're landing.
Are you still in level flight? By any remote chance?
More or less.
Ask him about prop controls and the mixture.
Vancouver, what about prop controls and the mixture?
Well, at least he's thinkin', anyway.
Never mind that for the time being, Stryker.
Just concentrate on holding that airspeed steady
with your flaps and gear down.
Okay, Ellen. Put the gear down.
Call off that airspeed.
Okay, Stryker. Your gear should be down by now.
Look for three green lights to show you that it's locked.
Also, there's a hydraulic pressure gauge
just above the three green lights
and that needle should be in the green range.
Three green lights.
'The pressure is up.'
Tell him the gear and the flaps are down
and she still handles like a wet sponge, only more so.
'The gear and the flaps are down now'
'but he says that she still handles'
'like a wet sponge, only more so.'
You'll get used to that.
Now I'm gonna give you instructions
for holding your altitude and airspeed steady
while you raise the landing gear and flaps.
Then we'll run through the whole thing again.
Again?
Look, Treleaven, I'm giving you all I've got the first time.
So don't expect me to sit up here
and go through a lot of dry runs.
Are you gonna bring that plane in alone
or could you still use a little help?
Ease up, Martin.
Alright, Stryker. Get a hold of yourself.
We don't have long to go now.
Sorry.
'Ted! The speed! Look at the speed, Ted!'
'We're falling! Ted, we're falling!'
Get the gear up! Get the gear up!
The mountains, Ted! The mountains!
I gotta get out of here!
I gotta get out!
I-I got, I gotta get out of here!
Quiet!
Look. He isn't a pilot.
Now you know.
Mr. Stryker is the only person aboard
who can fly this plane.
He was a pilot in the war and we can all help him
by not getting in a panic.
Now we all know there are dangers involved
but is there anyone here who'd like to take his place?
They've faded out completely.
Aren't you getting anything?
714, 714.
Hello, Vancouver?
Vancouver?
Ted, I can't get an answer. I think the radio is dead.
It can't be dead.
Hello. Vancouver!
Vancouver, come in, please. This is Flight 714.
There's nothing.
Wait a minute.
The radio must have been knocked off frequency.
- Do you remember where it was? - Oh, no. I didn't see it.
Hello. Come in, Vancouver, please.
This is Flight 714.
Get Captain Wilson's wife for me.
And you better call the first officer's home
and the stewardess'.
Keep trying, will you?
714.
- Are you getting anything yet? - No.
- What are we going to do? - Just keep trying.
Hello, Vancouver. Come in, please.
Harry, they won't leave without a statement from you.
You've got a runaway plane loose up there.
That's what it comes down to, doesn't it?
The fact is, this plane could crash anywhere in the city.
Into homes, factories, anywhere. Isn't that true?
Right now, we can't be sure of anything.
We're doing everything we can.
Repeating, 714. This is Vancouver.
Vancouver calling 714.
'Flight 714, come in.'
'Flight 714, this is Vancouver.'
'Do you hear me? Come in, please.'
Vancouver. Vancouver.
'We're reading you again. Come in, please.'
What happened? Are you alright?
We stalled. The radio went off.
But we're alright now.
We're climbing.
Alright, Stryker.
Here's what you must do next.
Take a look at your fuel tank gauges.
Give me their exact reading.
Can't take much more of this.
Johnny, how about some more coffee?
- Hello? - 'Mrs. Wilson?'
Yes, this is Mrs. Wilson.
'This is John Arnold calling from the airport.'
'There's some trouble on your husband's flight.'
'We don't know yet how serious it is, but Harry Ballard'
'thought you'd wanna get down here right away.'
Yes, I-I'll be there right away.
Captain Wilson hasn't come out of it at all.
None of them have.
And Joey's worse.
Vancouver, we've got to start down now.
Not just yet. We'll have you on radar any second now.
I don't understand it.
He should have been in range ten minutes ago.
Well, don't forget. He lost a lot of time.
We don't know how far off course he went.
Radar, you getting anything?
Hold it. Hold it a minute.
This may be something coming up.
Yeah, I have him now.
He's 10 miles south off course.
Tell him to turn right onto a heading of 305.
Nice work. Uh, Stryker, we have you on radar now.
You're off course 10 miles to the south.
Please turn right onto a new heading of 305.
Then when you're ready, start losing altitude.
'Tell him we're on the new course'
and ready now to lose altitude.
Hello, Vancouver, we're now on the new course
and ready to lose altitude.
Alright. Throttle back slightly.
But hold your airspeed steady until you're losing altitude
at 100 feet a minute.
'Watch your instruments closely.'
You'll have to trust them all the way.
How long do you figure before the landing?
I don't know. With luck, about, oh, say, 30 minutes.
Harry, call the tower, will you?
Tell them we may need a double emergency crew on this one.
Make sure those hospital units are standing by.
Get me the fire department and the city police.
Also, I want all traffic blocked off from this airport.
Now here are the runways.
We have apartment buildings here, there and there.
Actually, what we'll have to do is alert the entire area.
So contact all fire departments
emergency equipment, the works.
There's no telling where this plane might come down.
Here are the banner sheets. We're ready to roll either way.
Ted, I'd like to go back and see Joey again for just a minute.
Alright, this would be a good time.
She's holding fairly steady right now.
Doctor, how is he?
I won't deceive you, Mrs. Stryker.
We're running out of time.
How soon do you think we'll be landing?
Well, I really don't know, but we're getting close.
Well, I better go and talk to your husband.
Please, God.
Will the hospital equipment be at the airport?
Yes, everything they've got.
'The captain wants to talk to the stewardess.'
They want to talk to the stewardess.
I'll get her.
Oh, excuse me, doctor.
714. Stand by.
How is he?
Still unconscious.
- Doctor says everybody-- - I know. He told me.
Ellen, we're going to make it.
You've got to believe that.
They want to talk to you, stewardess.
There's a headset there.
I've got it.
They've got the stewardess.
Alright. What's the girl's name?
Janet Turner.
How are you, Janet? This is Captain Treleaven here.
Janet, when we make this landing
I want you to use emergency crash procedures
for protection of passengers, understand?
Tell him I understand.
Yes, she understands.
That's fine.
Just before the landing, I'll ask the pilot
to ring the emergency bell.
Now the button for that bell
is right over the co-pilot's seat.
- There it is. - See it, Ellen? Remember it.
That will be your warning for final precautions.
- Uh, stewardess. - Yes?
Are the pilots strapped to seats?
- Yes. - Good luck back there.
We'll be ready.
29 miles from the field.
Turn left onto 300.
Alright, Stryker. Change your heading slightly.
Turn left onto 300.
What is your altitude?
'Altitude is 2500.'
Bad news. The fog's getting thicker.
Well, there's nothing we can do about that.
Tell the tower to light up, put on everything they've got.
We'll be coming up there in a minute, I'll want their radio
on the same frequency as this.
Stryker won't have time to fool around changing channels.
Right.
Listen, you! Listen to me!
- I'm trying to help you! - I won't! Let me go!
Alright. Leave her be.
Alright, now listen to me. Listen to me!
Calm down. Relax.
- Come on now. - Oh, Tony, I'm alright.
It's just everything at once.
Here. Drink this. Come on. Drink it.
Remind me never to travel this airline again.
They have terrible coffee.
I'll get you the best coffee in Vancouver
just as soon as we land.
Tony, I'm sorry about what I said to you before.
Ah, forget it.
You know, honestly, I couldn't have done it without you.
You know, I'd like it to go on that way
for at least the next hundred years.
Oh, me too.
Stryker, you are now approximately
nine minutes from the airport.
Are you ready to begin your final descent?
Tell him we're on top of the overcast.
Nothing but fog below. Not a break in it anywhere.
Vancouver, we're on top of the overcast.
'There's not a break in it anywhere.'
You know, this would be a tough landing for anybody to make.
Maybe if we hold him off for a bit
we'll get a break in the weather.
Alright, Stryker, you better stay up there for a bit.
Keep circling. We got everything else out of the air
so you won't have too much trouble.
As soon as the fog lifts, we'll bring you in.
I'll take it, Ellen.
No dice, Vancouver. I'm coming straight in now.
Dr. Baird says the sick people
are in critical condition and every minute counts.
Don't be a fool, Stryker.
You know what a landing like this means.
You more than anybody.
That's right, but we've got to come in.
But he can't. Tell him he's got to stay up there.
Let's face it, Harry. There's nothing we can do about it.
Alright, Stryker, level off at 2000 feet
and wait for instructions. I'm going to the tower now.
So you won't hear from me for a bit.
We'll decide on the runway to use at the last minute
so you can land into the wind.
But he can't bring it down in this soup!
- It's a 100 to 1, anyway. - I know, I know.
But it's his ship now, his command!
Stand by, Stryker. I'm going to the tower.
And good luck.
We're on our way up now.
- Decide on the runway yet? - Runway 9.
It's the longest and pretty well into the wind.
- Radar. - Yes, captain?
This is the way we'll handle it. Right now, he's here.
I'll turn him, so he begins to make a wide right-hand circle.
At the same time, bring him down to a 1000 feet.
I'll start the pre-landing check here
then have him make a slow turn onto final.
- Is that clear? - Yeah.
The phone hooked up to Radar?
Right there, sir.
How do I talk to the field?
Uh, just flip that speaker on, sir.
Tower to all emergency vehicles. Runway is 9.
'Airport tenders, take positions number 1 and 2.'
Civilian equipment, number 3.
'Air Force, positions number 4 and 5.'
'All ambulances to position 3.'
714, this is Treleaven in Vancouver Tower.
Are you ready to line up for the landing?
'Okay, Vancouver. We're ready.'
Harry.
- Got a cigarette, Nels? - Joan.
I thought you'd like to know the latest.
Now your husband and the others are alive but unconscious.
Now there's a good chance we can save them
if Stryker can get this plane down in time.
That isn't really much of a chance, is it?
It's the only one we've got.
8 miles.
Turn right to heading 080.
Stryker, after this message, do not acknowledge
any further transmissions unless you want to ask a question.
You are now 8 miles from the airport.
Turn right to a heading of 080, throttle back slightly
and begin to lose altitude to 1000 feet.
I just wanna tell you both good luck.
- I'll keep your son with me. - Thank you.
- Thanks, doctor. - Right.
Hold your airspeed steady at 120.
Tell him we're at 1000 feet, leveling off.
'We're now at 1000 feet and leveling off.'
Now set your mixture controls in auto rich.
That is, in the top position.
Those four levers, Ellen. Pull them all the way up.
Alright, Stryker. Put down 20 degrees of flap.
20 degrees of flap, Ellen.
'When your flaps are down, re-trim for level flight.'
He's all over the place, 900 feet up to 1300 feet.
Watch your altitude, Stryker. It's too erratic!
Try to hold steady at 1000 feet.
Any break in the fog up there?
No, nothing yet. I can't see a thing.
'Keep checking those instruments.'
'You'll have to trust them all the way.'
Close up. Stay in formation. Target's just ahead.
Target should be clear if you go in low enough.
You'll have to decide.
'Pull up, Ted! We're too low!'
Stryker! Stryker, can you hear me?
You've got to keep her up! Keep her up!
'Stryker, get your altitude back. You need a 1000 feet.'
He's dropping off fast, almost 700.
Stryker, get back to a 1000 feet!
Captain, he's below 700 now and he's still going down.
Stryker, you can't come straight in.
You've got enough fuel left for two hours' flying!
You've got to stay up there
till we get a break in the weather!
I'll take it, Ellen.
Listen, Treleaven. I'm coming in.
Do you hear me? I'm coming in right now.
We have people up here including my own son
who will die in less than one hour, never mind two.
I may bend your precious airplane
but I'll bring it down.
Now get on with the landing check.
I'm putting the gear down now.
- Ted. - Yes?
I just wanted you to know now.
I'm very proud.
Tell him the gear is down and we're ready to land.
The gear is now down and we're ready to land.
He may not be able to fly, but he's sure got guts.
Keep your heading steady on 090.
Increase your throttle setting slightly to hold your airspeed.
Advance your prop control so that you're getting a reading
of 2250 rpm on each engine.
'2250 rpm.'
'He's still dropping. Just under 600.'
550.
500.
Stryker, you're too low!
Still on 140.
'Altitude steady at 500.'
He's right on the heading.
Alright. He's on final now.
Put out all the runway lights except number 9.
Turn on your landing lights, Stryker.
Can you find the switch?
Alright. Now listen carefully.
You should be able to see the runway at 300 feet.
Aim to touch down a third of the way along.
There's a slight crosswind from the right, so be ready for it.
'If you land too fast, use your emergency brakes.'
'The red handle is right in front of you.'
'If that doesn't stop you, cut the four ignition switches'
'over the co-pilot's head.'
- You see them, Ellen? - Uh-huh.
If I want them off, it will be in a hurry.
So don't waste any time about it.
- Alright. - Now, Stryker.
Hold your present heading.
Put down full flap.
Bring your airspeed back to a 110.
Adjust your trim and start easin' her down.
Everything ready on the field?
As ready as we'll ever be.
Give me altitude and speed.
400 feet, speed 115.
'350, speed 110.'
You see us now? You should be able to see the field now.
There he is!
Stryker, you're coming in too fast.
I know, I know. Keep watching it.
300, speed 125.
'300, speed 130.'
Stryker, now listen to me. You're coming down too fast!
Sound your alarm bell now.
Alright, everybody, get in crash position.
Put your heads down! Everybody, put your heads down!
Now let down easy!
Watch your nose! It's too low! You're coming in too hot!
Remember your brakes and switches.
Get ready to flare it out.
You're coming in too fast!
Now ease her down, down!
Lift the nose! Throttle back!
The brakes! Pull that red handle!
Cut the switches!
Hold her steady!
Everything's alright back here, thanks to you.
And we're in time.
- Thank God. - Thanks.
'Stryker. Stryker, you alright?'
- 'Okay.' - Ted.
Ted, that was probably the lousiest landing
in the history of this airport.
But there's some of us here, particularly me
who would like to buy you a drink and shake your hand.
'We're comin' over.'