Original subtitles

The following film is based on an actual event that occurred on July 23rd, 1983.

Some names have been changed, composite characters used, and certain scenes were

created for dramatic purposes.

That storm front they warned us about?

Might as well use everything this butte can give.

Ask if we can take her up to 40 ,000 feet.

Nothing like being able to get above it all.

Winnipeg Center.

This is Canada World 163 Heavy.

Yeah, we see it about 20 miles out.

If we can slip up to 40 ,000 feet, we should be able to ride above it all.

Thanks, Winnipeg. Moving up.

That's weird. How's the fuel?

Indicator in up.

Computer says we're loaded. Must be the pump.

Crossfeed the left pump to both engines.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Sure the fuel's up.

According to the readout, we're full.

Left engine flamed out.

Winnipeg, this is 163. We're having a problem.

Right engine's gone, too.

Winnipeg, this is 163. We have...

We have a general failure? Got a dead sticker.

Give me range, fuel, talk to me.

Glide. In your glider.

Stick's dead. Help me out. Go hydraulics.

We're going into pre -fall.

Pre -fall.

We're going in.

Please exit the simulator now.

Is that some kind of joke?

There's no way you'd land that aircraft the way you guys have got it programmed.

Some scenario, if you ask me.

Impossible set of conditions. Whoever dreamed that up?

It isn't a dream.

It happened.

Just look at that.

Some beauty.

Yeah, it's brand new.

It's out of the box.

Who's in the saddle?

Captain Pearson.

Bob Pearson.

Copy's ready.

As usual, you're way ahead of me.

I'm just keeping ahead of a day that's going to be busy.

Listen, if you want me to drive myself to the airport, I can leave the car to

you overnight.

No, there's no need. I can pick up the cleaning on the way back.

Besides, it'll help me pass the time. What time? It's a quick turnaround.

Oh, I know. It's just a... What's the matter?

It's not like you to be worried.

I'm not worried.

I'm going to miss you, that's all.

Would you drink your coffee the sooner you get started, the sooner you get

It still doesn't figure.

By this reckoning, we got about 11 ,000 pounds of fuel.

Pounds or liters?

Pounds.

No, no. Hold on. Maybe that's kilograms.

How much more? I got several thousand gallons left.

Gallons?

Don't give me gallons, okay?

You've got the pride of the fleet, the first 67 in service, and we are now

metric. Take the mean kilo.

Sorry, boss. I don't really know that stuff yet. I got my work cut out trying

convert gallons into pounds.

Yeah, like if we don't, you just stand by, okay?

They at least convert the entire fleet, you know, instead of just these new

planes.

Well, I really think you've got everything done.

Well, not quite. Meg and I are going to go shopping. I want to pick up some

fresh flowers, and I've got to get new sheets for the guest room. New sheets?

You think you're overdoing it?

I want them to feel welcome.

They'll notice a little extra care after they've been white -knuckling it for

five hours. White -knuckling it? With me in the cockpit? You, they'll trust.

It's a plain little people world.

Why don't you drive?

Bob, will you keep your wits about you?

How many kilos in a pound?

Uh, 2 .2, or so it says here.

Okay. How many quarts in a kilogram?

I don't know. I told you, check the on -board gauge.

It's got enough.

Well, then how does the pilot know how much fuel's been loaded?

Computers. State -of -the -art computers.

I hate computers.

Gotta be a technopress to run them. Yeah, well, then we both better check

seminary.

Come on.

Let's try the cockpit.

Jim, my wife's not doing so well right now.

Isn't there some other guy you can... Yeah, yeah, I understand.

Okay, I'll be there.

You're going off again, aren't you? I'm really sorry.

The number two on the Montreal Edmonton flight broke his leg.

Skiing.

They need me to take his place in the second seat.

But you just got back.

I know.

But it's the new 767, and I beg to be one of the first checked out on it. You

know, I'm the only one available who's cleared to fly it.

Veronica will be here to help.

I'll be back before you know it.

Are you picking him up from home?

No, it's a quick turnaround. They're going to meet me at the airport in

You'll meet us on the way back?

I'll pick you up at the gate.

Everything okay?

Yeah, fine. You just worry about having a safe flight, okay?

The white zone is for immediate opening.

Try the switch anyway.

Ah,

great. Nothing.

Got to rely on the computer. What's it say?

Whatever we tell it, it won't read the fuel load. We tell it the volume, then

doesn't figure.

Then it's no smarter than you.

Better refigure the volume again.

You okay, won't you, sweetie? You'll be just fine.

Are you sure?

You knew the maternity leave would end sooner or later. Besides, Reed, if you

wanted to stop flying... It's just too good a job to lose a seniority. Yes,

And you take good care of your daddy.

Bye. Bye.

You take care of her.

Bye.

Hey, Lynn, what do you got?

1 -7 -4 to Edmonton. Hey, we're together.

Junior employees first.

Thank you.

Gotta stop being mad at me, Gloria.

You'd hate it. Hell, I hate it. It's my family reunion. I don't have to do

anything. All I want to do is go with you, as if we belong together.

Maybe I could even make it fun for you.

I doubt it. All I'd start doing is prying. And what if we...

You. What have you got to hide? Nothing.

You just don't want me to meet your family. Boy, you know that's not true. I

have a problem with my family.

Tell me.

Do your parents even know I exist?

I can handle it.

Uh,

38.

Hey, didn't you play minor league hockey?

I thought Detroit called you up to play the big team.

What happened?

Got cut.

Ticket? Did you turn the thermostat down? Yeah.

Did you get extra flight insurance?

What for?

Hey, Dave.

Mr. Pearson, taking 174 out.

Yeah, did you just bring her in? I did indeed.

Fuel gauges are dicey.

No kidding.

She's brand new.

What's the manual say?

Nothing. Like you say, the 67's just come into service. Not much pilot input

yet.

Anything on the minimum equipment list?

The MEL says to check the load manually.

After that, it's safe to fly using the onboard computers.

You're ready with those things, aren't you?

Well, I'm getting there, but I'd rather have a gauge that went into a tank.

Can it be fixed?

Don't know.

You'll have Ricky Dion in the cabin with you. I bet you he can get it right.

Ricky, well, there you go.

Hey.

Maurice, you taking Bruce's second chair?

Yeah.

Well, after you get fueled up, let's make sure the plane is.

Check a reminder file. Both Lieber and Dunbar have birthdays this month. Send

some trinkets from Tiffany. Forge my signature. And remember, I leave for

Kong on the 8th. Police, if there are any details that I have overlooked,

do not hesitate to contact me. It's very important that I have the thing.

Love that high -tech operation.

What do you know about metrics?

Nothing. I'm still trying to think how much a quart is.

Easy.

Six percent smaller than a liter.

Alicia, I won't be out of town for my anniversary.

Have Jorge send some flowers to the house. Roses, preferably.

Keep it under $60.

Make a reservation at Patina for the night after my return.

The departure of Canada World Airways flight 174 will be slightly delayed.

Please stay at the gate as we expect to board momentarily.

I'll CWA.

The way to rule my plans, he'll find it.

Well, at least the weather looks good.

At least for now.

You know, there was a time when the decision to take off was mine and mine

alone.

But the new manual for these big birds says that you have to check me out

So what's the deal?

Well, the way I read the figures, we gave you $20 ,345.

And that's going to get you all the way to Vancouver, everybody. What about this

knob? I mean, after I lie on the computer, Rita, what if the computer

Second one cuts in. That goes down, and there's a third one for good measure.

If two of them go down, I don't think I'll be relying on a third.

I understand Rick Dion's on board.

He must know this.

Board guys look good, bro. Here we are.

Could be a smooth flight.

It's okay, honey. I only look worried.

Goodbye. What can go wrong when the airline's top candidate is sitting in

seat right next to us? Hey. Huh, Chris?

Rick. Hi, Larry. Good to see you.

Good to have you aboard.

Let's hope so.

She hates to fly.

Especially after a tech delay. What's the problem?

Don't know, but Bob Pearson's in the number one seat. If he's satisfied, so

I. Once we're up, you should go ask him yourself.

Oh, he will.

Can't keep him away from the business end of an aircraft.

Okay, honey.

You got your seatbelt on?

I'm getting it on.

You got your seatbelt on?

Yes.

I do.

You're a smiling pearl. Look at her. It's an admiration.

24D, down to your right. Good morning, sir. How are you today?

24C, down to your right.

Hi, how are you?

24C, down to your left, please.

24D, down to your left.

Hi, how are you today?

31D, down to your left.

Hi, how are you today, sir? 31D, down to your left.

Hello, sir. You're in free speed. There's only two of you in the first

today. Thank you.

Should be a grand flight. I'm sure it will be, sir.

What do you say?

I don't know.

A few readouts were handled by the second officer.

I guess it's your call. Well, Davis and Coley had no trouble bringing her in.

Well, charge up and ready to go.

Boo.

You're welcome.

I'd feel better if we still had a second officer.

We'd have someone to work the manuals. The whole point of these birds is to cut

back on the crew.

Save the airline's money.

We're not saving them any money being parking attendants.

Where did that glance hit this bird in the sky?

Thought he'd never make up his mind. Fussy bunch of puppets.

Good flight, guys.

Thank you.

Tell Bernie that I will buy a full page in his tribute book for muscular atrophy

or dystrophy or whatever.

Then call George and tell him to get in Bernie's face about upping his orders

with us.

We've been cleared for takeoff. Will all passengers kindly fasten their

seatbelts?

Are there a sharper scent?

It's a feature of the 767.

Sharp as that scent there is. Sharp as of any commercial airliner. I was on a

Learjet last month.

We went nearly vertical on takeoff.

I'm a pilot myself.

Perhaps the captain would give me a view of the flight deck once we're up.

I'm sure he'd be glad to.

I'm amazed you managed to stay put this long.

Just remember to come back. I kind of like your company.

Any chance?

Great day for it, huh, Maurice?

Yeah.

You okay?

You okay?

Yeah.

Mind a visitor?

Frank, get your dead blood in here.

Simple enough for you?

If it was any easier, I wouldn't need a pilot.

That'd make my job easier.

Hey, speaking of your job, what is that?

You got an M .E .L.? Yeah.

It should be okay.

You just have to rely on your computer.

It'll fly her for you.

There's more information there than you know what to do with anyway.

You got that right.

So how's your hockey club?

Or have you given that up yet? No, you should. You're right.

You have a manual.

Lance, it can't be this complicated.

It isn't.

You got something?

Yeah, it could be.

According to the book, the pump is probably fine and there is a safety

Either pump, left or right, can feed to both engines.

Let's cross -feed the left side to both engines.

What are you going to do without me?

I knew the answer all along. I just wanted to see if you guys could figure

out. Barely. Too exciting for my bladder. I'll be right back.

What's the matter with him?

His wife is very sick.

They have two young kids at home.

You don't know that.

I don't really think he wanted to go out on this flight.

Frankly, if I were him, I'd apply for some sick leave.

We don't have enough guys checked out on these things, do we?

You know how important they are to the company.

And to me.

I need this job.

I've got to buy me some new skates.

A new set of legs is what you need.

I want to give him... Way to go, Beth, huh?

Send away for something, because you know it's going to make him happy, and

you... Next trip, I guess.

Why would I be glad when that day is over?

Hey.

We've got a weekend pilot in three seats if he'd like to visit the cockpit.

Do you think Pearson would mind?

I'm going to wait until Rick gets back to his seat.

Got that beer for me?

The guy in 30F is knocking him back faster than I can keep applying.

Well, a lot of the brand has been drinking. You've finished him off. At

point, he won't notice.

How's Mr.

Macho in 31D?

I'm third vodka and tonic and in a deep soul.

Oh, I'm sad.

I'll take this one.

I'll give you a chance to sit.

So, are these planes so good it only takes one guy to fly them?

Bob, it's more than enough.

Things fly by themselves.

I feel like I could have stayed home.

How is Marie?

Pretty much the same.

Not good.

Sorry, Maurice.

It's okay.

Or it'll be what it'll be.

How's things in the cabin? Busy?

Not at all.

But I prefer it when it's so busy. You know, you can't stop time going faster.

Oh, you wouldn't get to enjoy the flight, then.

That's fine by me.

I hate flying.

Anything I can get you here, sir?

A vodka tonic.

I know.

Everything okay here? Can I get you anything?

No, thank you. We're fine. All right.

You okay?

You?

How's our little passenger?

I think he needs a change.

Okay, if I use an empty roll.

I don't see why not. When it's empty, it shouldn't be a problem.

Do you mind if I help you?

I have a little baby at home. This is my first time away from her.

Thanks. That would be great.

Is this your diaper bag? Yes, thank you.

You're going to feel better.

I found you a young explorer.

Is my husband still in the cockpit, or did he leave?

I can't imagine either of you that.

You don't know him in airplanes.

If you can, would you remind him that he promised Chris a trip up front?

Done.

So, where were you?

And as you know, if you see the usual suspects, send it registered.

Return receipt requested.

Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry.

Any word on that trip up front?

We're working on it. There's an airline official in there at the moment, but as

soon as he's out, I'll ask.

And Alicia, remind those airheads in travel never to book me on a plane that

doesn't have in -flight phones.

Lynn needs you to cover the back. I think Hulk wants another vodka.

Again? How many can he manage?

I hope he's not driving when we land.

Maurice, when you go back, tell Rick his wife misses him. The guy in 3C still

wants a tour.

And I'd like a massage.

So what are you flying these days?

Well, I tried a P -51 at the Farnham Airshow. It was fun.

But Pearl and I are talking about moving to the West Coast.

If that happens, I'll be looking for a seaplane.

The old pontoons, laddie, the old pontoons.

Hey.

What the hell is that?

Second pump in him?

It'd be.

You better go off auto.

First Officer Quintel to the front, please.

I'll hit the book.

Apparent fuel pump failure.

Hit the drill.

Fuel gauge.

Not operational.

Release the pump.

Check. No help.

Re -engage cross feed.

No help.

Scroll digital.

Scroll reads ample fuel and range.

What was that?

Oh, probably just a little air pocket. Nothing to worry about.

Bye, sweetheart.

Later.

What was that?

I'm sure it was nothing.

Well, I don't know what that was, but I am sure that everything is all right.

Well, would you please ask Rick to come back here as soon as he can? Yes, I'd be

glad to.

Okay.

The Weekender wonders whether... Not now, Larry.

Okay. Then, Rick, your wife wonders whether you're still on board.

Yeah, I guess I better tell her she's doing it.

Maybe you could hang in here until Maurice figures a load, just in case we

a little help with our calculations.

Yeah, you got it. Tell her I'll be along soon.

Okay. Larry, take it easy, right? We wouldn't want to worry anyone.

Of course not, Captain.

How's it look?

Impossible.

Whatever it is, it has to be possible, otherwise it wouldn't be happening.

What's your best guess?

Try changing the attitude.

That should prove it.

Both lights are off.

Exactly.

It's like the idiot light on a car's gas tank. You go downhill, the fuel goes

forward, puts the light on.

You go uphill, the light turns back on again.

It's not a pump problem.

And what is it? Get the ops man.

Obviously, it's not a pump problem, is it?

No.

Well, if it isn't a pump, then it's the fuel.

Or more specifically, the lack of it.

But the lights are still out.

Here. You check it. These are the ground crew figures.

Bob in the air?

Yeah, he took the flight out to Edmonton.

Picking up his folks.

Ah, that's where the big marketing and the big shopping are.

I thought I'd show off my cooking a little.

I can't remember the last time we ate in the dining room.

I guess you've been pretty busy, huh?

Well, this time of year, it's passed like ships in the night.

It goes to the territory, I guess, huh?

Yeah.

We're married for 25 years.

What we lack in adventure, we make up for in consistency.

You okay, kiddo?

Yeah. How about a cup of coffee?

I'd love a cup of coffee. Your house? Yours.

Someone

screwed

up the metric conversion.

I just can't tell where or by how much. But one thing's for sure.

There's not enough fuel in either tank to make it into.

Maurice, chart us a new course, lad.

Best bet's probably Winnipeg.

You get there in a couple hundred gallons or liters.

Whatever we got in there.

Winnipeg, is it, huh?

Look at that weather.

Yeah, they said they were expecting low clouds.

But you should be able to ride it out. Don't burn it too much fuel. These

are designed to fly, not crash.

True enough.

Just need enough fuel to keep our forward motion.

Now that you should have.

Winnipeg Center, this is Canada World 174.

See if you can get him to get in touch with my wife. We're to know where I am.

If she needs me.

Winnipeg Center.

Canada World 174.

Canada World 174, Winnipeg. Go ahead.

Loud and clear, 174. I have you radar identified to 140 miles northeast of

Winnipeg. You're cleared to the Winnipeg airport for an approach.

Plan runway 04 left. Over.

Two additional things.

Get a crew list and notify the families of a delay due to diversion.

Put Maurice Quintel on the top of the list.

Right.

We'll stay on the air.

Is the problem getting worse?

Yeah. Minor technical difficulty. We're diverting to Winnipeg.

Better let them know, Larry.

Right away.

You ought to be all right.

Oh, my God. We're running on fumes.

Winnipeg Center, this is 174.

We've got a bigger problem than we thought.

Roger,

174.

Then across.

Back up.

All the way to 23.

Keep going.

There, there, there. Right here? Oh, yeah. Come on.

There. There. See? And it's just like the same one we're on. Yeah, it is.

So, how about a book?

Oh.

Pictures!

I guess.

Pick a color. Any color. Okay.

I think I'm going to go with this color.

Oh. Folks, we're truly sorry about this, but the technical problem that delayed

us continues to hamper the pilots.

They've decided to divert to Winnipeg.

We should land there in a few minutes where arrangements will be made to get

to Edmonton.

The passengers with connecting flights should inform the cabin staff.

CWA regrets any inconvenience this unexpected diversion may cause.

I know you can do better than that.

Well, even if the load estimate is off by half, you should be able to make it

with a couple of gallons to spare. You can drive us to the hotel, Bob.

Depends on what it takes to buck this turbulent.

Heavy headwinds.

Here's how I figure it. Double -check me.

Canada, 174, Winnipeg.

Go ahead, Winnipeg Center. This is 174.

Roger, 174, you're within landing range now. I'll be handing you off to your

approach control.

And we'll be listening and hanging in with you.

The emergency procedures will be in place.

Contact approach control now on 119 .7.

Good afternoon, Canada World 174. This is Winnipeg Approach. Got you at about

,000 feet and 130 miles.

22 ,000 feet. Thanks, Approach.

130 miles.

We're working on our glide path now.

We're on speed 335.

Glad, pal.

Got it?

Okay, listen. They loaded 20 ,345 units, all right.

But it was pounds, not kilos. Are you serious?

Yeah.

That's 2 .2 pounds per kilo.

You're telling me we're less than half loaded?

Have Larry report to the flight deck immediately.

Mission of the Red Cross is alerted.

Have a mobile blood bank get out there with us. Let's go!

Larry, get your crew together.

Run over the emergency landing procedures.

Don't freak out the passengers. Do it behind the curtains.

Keep it cool.

Here's the accurate dental records.

Hey, what the hell's going on?

Routine searches, routine calls to meet and long flights, check the liquor

inventory. Don't give me that bull.

I'm a paying customer. I pay you damn wages. Now, what's going on? If you must

swear, could you keep your voice down?

Hey, hey, hey.

I knew I shouldn't have bothered.

I knew it.

I think I didn't bring Gloria along.

She's still on vacation.

I gotta go back to work on Monday.

What do you do?

I go to the local high school.

Well, I guess I pay your wages then, don't I?

We'll be fine.

Or not.

Either way.

At least there's no kids.

Well, like we've always said, kids in marriage aren't for everyone.

You know, certainly not us.

We don't want to repeat our parents' mistakes.

So, how's school?

Fine. Keeps me occupied.

Walks away.

Kids are grown.

Tell me.

I've been thinking about taking classes myself.

Yeah? Yeah.

Leslie goes off to college in the fall. Can you believe it? You're kidding.

No.

How are you and Bob doing?

We're the same as ever.

Fall into patterns. You ever notice that?

Yep.

Lots of years create lots of habits.

Do you find that you start taking things for granted?

Like what?

I don't know, the small stuff.

Little things that are left unsaid because you think you've got a lot of

later.

There always is.

Time later, I mean. There just is.

Yeah, I guess.

Well, how am I doing?

Not good news, but not a disaster.

Winnipeg Center, this is 174.

We think we have a plan for a glide path.

That is if nothing else goes wrong.

You'll be fine. We're clearing 0 -4 left for you, and we'll have a welcoming

party when you're on the ground.

Good idea, Frode.

Supervisor, we're signing 174 to 0 -4 left. Are the emergency procedures in

place? That's affirmative.

First rank, give a pass to the medic.

And make sure all the ammunitions are loaded with burn units.

Double check it.

Hurry. Hurry.

Well?

Bare. Bare.

If this front gets any thicker, it's going to slow us significantly.

If that's our only problem, we're in great shape.

But Bob only lies when it comes to hockey.

Right, Bob?

I'm going to go see Pearl and Chris.

Good idea. Leave this to the pros.

But if you feel anything go wrong, you know where we are.

Yeah. Same here. You need me.

There's some kids back there. Make sure the parents know to put their masks on

first.

Are you the airline official from the cockpit?

Because if there's room now, I thought I'd pop in.

We're in a landing mode right now. It's probably not a good time.

I've never seen a computerized cockpit.

Well, landing's all done by numbers.

Maybe when we take off for Edmonton.

Just bring the Vancouver people to Edmonton. Save me half a day. These

laser cost us a fortune.

And I don't want to hear about Bill's juice. Sorry.

We're okay.

There's nothing to worry about.

Except we have to go to Winnipeg.

Other than that, we're fine.

Swear it.

I swear it.

It looked a bit tight there for a minute, but we'll be fine for Winnipeg.

And Bob Pearson's the right guy for the job.

We're fine, Pearl.

I'll be here all the way.

Just trust that we'll be okay.

Daddy, is Mommy okay?

Yeah, Mommy's fine.

We all are.

Okay, hon, just bring a goat.

Where were we? Right there.

Okay.

Socrates stepped inside the flagship.

It's vital that people near the emergency exits are strong enough to

them.

I'm sorry, sir. The captain has put on the seatbelt fine. Not to worry. Just

using the lavatory.

I'm an ex -RAF pilot.

If the Luftwaffe couldn't get me, I'd show CWA what.

Runways clear. All emergency vehicles in place.

Come on, guy.

On the phone.

You can make this.

We're cutting it fine.

You can hear her in those numbers from Montreal.

Left engine out.

Left engine gone.

I'll be back.

Whatever happens, I'll be back.

Honey, honey, just stay put, okay?

Now, let's go back to the book.

Now, what page were we on? Can you remember?

What the hell happened?

That engine's gone. We've tested the right thruster to accommodate it.

There goes the other one.

We've got a gentleman there.

It's gone.

I lost it.

It just dropped off.

174.

174, this is Winnipeg. Do you read?

It's gone.

174, we lost your transponder return.

174, 174, come in.

Might just be they were elected.

Going to primary.

Still nothing.

There'd be an untagged blip in this quadrant, but I had nothing.

Need some help here, lad.

Some hydraulic.

It's like the power steering in my car when the engine goes dead.

Now, there's no... There's no redundancy systems when the fuel's gone. None.

Only the emergency ram air turbine for hydraulics. No hydraulics. No power. No

transponder. We must have dropped off the screen in Winnipeg.

What the hell's a ram air turbine?

It says here the rat kicks in automatically when it reads two dead

What the hell is it waiting for?

I gather you're a veteran at this kind of thing. Me?

Oh, goodness.

Well, um, my husband is the airline's top mechanic. He thinks everything is

fine.

As long as there's lights in the cockpit.

And there must be power there.

Some of the passengers have noticed there are no lights.

It's fuel starvation.

Electric's conked out when the engines went out.

Oh, God.

Are we going down?

I tell we're going down.

This baby will glide as long as I can keep the nose up. It's the truth, Larry.

Nobody here is planning on dying.

Alert the passengers.

Use the megaphone.

And what do I tell them?

Keep them busy with an emergency drill.

Larry, I'll be there no matter what.

I don't know how long I can keep this up, lad.

I'm going to need a glide pad.

Without power, I can't do that. I need altitude and ground speed.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, we have a further technical problem

complicating our final descent into Winnipeg. The captain is confident we'll

land safely, but regulations require we now follow prescribed safety drills.

Everyone must remove their shoes,

eyeglasses, jewelry, particularly earrings,

anything sharp from your pockets.

Make sure your seatbelt is tightly fastened as low down on your hips as is

possible.

This is all just a precaution.

We thank you for your cooperation.

What was that?

It must be the rat hole popping up.

I hope so.

174, this is Winnipeg. Do you read?

Give me a hand with this heart.

When instructed, cross your arms and hold the top of the seat back in front

you. Then rest your head in your arms.

Practice this now.

Children can put a pillow in their lap or anything that would provide a cushion

would be fine. Here, you make sure you hang on to that.

Everything will be okay.

What's wrong, Mommy? Nothing.

I'm sorry, Chris. It's all right. This often happens on planes, and Daddy

makes sure that everything is fine.

Okay?

Affirmative. I got something.

174, I think I've got you. Do you read me?

wrong with this? Why can't you people do anything right?

Damn seat's collapsing.

It's designed to do that, sir. It cushions you if you just rest on it and

try to mash it.

What's the matter? We're all going to die anyway.

Would you please be quiet?

I have a little daughter waiting for me at home and I have no intention of

dying. Bull, this plane's going... Sir, shut your stupid mouth.

help with these hydraulics.

The rat must have kicked in.

Got some juice?

Give some power to the electronics, then.

Thank you, God.

And Boeing for this Ram Air Turbine.

Gotcha!

174, you're back on.

Do read.

Roger, Winnipeg.

174 is back.

This is a mayday.

I repeat, this is a mayday.

We need a vector to the nearest possible runway.

I'm at 22 ,000 feet and both engines have failed.

We're on emergency instrument.

I only have a limited amount of information to give you.

Our heading is 230.

So could you please give us a vector to the nearest possible runway?

Stand by, 174.

Power.

You think you can bring in a 300 ,000 pound aircraft with a dead thick

I've never heard of him.

Try and talk him in. We're on to the factory over at Everett. This can't be

first time this kind of thing has happened.

And the Crewe family know that Crewe's been diverted to Winnipeg.

Oh, I don't believe it.

Do you always keep track of where he is?

Only when the in -laws are involved, okay?

Oh, right. Okay.

Hello?

Seeking. Really?

Why?

Oh, no, no, no, I understand.

But as soon as you find out, would you give me a call, please?

That's great, thanks.

Everything okay?

The plane's been diverted to Winnipeg. Really? Why?

I don't know.

There's a bit of luck.

That storm's on the other side of town.

What do you think, lad?

I don't know. I've never tried a dead -sick landing before.

I grew up on it.

I'm an old sail planer.

The trick is to find your optimum forward speed.

If you keep the nose too high, you slow down.

If you let the nose get too low, you become an aerodynamic rock.

I tried sailplaning.

Biggest problem's coming in too short.

Optimum forward speed is 220 knots.

Winnipeg, could you give us a reading?

Scattered clouds at 4 ,000 feet.

Visibility 15 miles.

Wind of 4 knots at 350 degrees.

And your range is... Your range is... 35...

He'll make that 39 miles.

Roger, Winnipeg. Got it.

I'm holding 220 knots, Maurice. Do your thing.

174, can you give us fuel and souls on board, please?

Fuel?

We still have fuel starvation.

Souls on board are 63 passengers, four back -end crew, and two very determined

pilots.

It's a fuel problem, so smoke inhalation will likely be a bigger killer than

burns.

Where's triage? Sir?

If there's no burns, lung damage can't get first attention.

All the units are prepared.

Good. Working limbs go second, unless there's head or rib trauma.

And I want them in the ambulances and off the runway, stat!

Yes, sir.

Stop, stop, stop, stop. Are you all right?

You can't help how you feel.

We're all in this together, and I am right here for you. Okay?

All right?

Okay? Okay, now, take a deep breath.

Better?

That's sticking a sailplane into this one of these big babies.

How am I doing, Marie?

Need the range.

Winnipeg. Got a range for us?

34 miles.

Approaching 10 ,000 feet.

10 ,000 feet?

I didn't think I was that long.

That's okay. Without the engines, I don't know how she can maintain cabin

pressure anyway. You don't want the oxygen mass popping out. I'd panic the

passenger.

Might panic.

I'd be surprised but not back there knitting their own parachute right now.

How we doing, Maurice?

Not as good as I hope.

We have it figured out.

We'll be fine.

We have to be.

Why?

Because.

We were to die together, there'd be no one to identify us.

We don't have anyone else.

Neither of us.

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

I've never thought of that before.

It doesn't seem right.

It isn't.

I don't want it to be too late, Frank.

We should have something more to leave behind than our personal libraries.

Yes, we should.

It doesn't have to be too late, though.

Let's hope not.

Tell that range again. Could you repeat, please?

174, your range is 20 miles.

Winnipeg approach.

What was that range? Could you repeat, please?

Make that 20 miles.

2 -0.

Well, then we won't make it. Say again?

We won't make it.

There's no glide path that'll bring us into Winnipeg.

If I keep this heading, I'll not only lose this aircraft, but I'll take half

Winnipeg with me.

Look bad on a resume.

We're open to suggestions, boss.

We're working on that, 174.

Hey, it's Winnipeg.

I can see the airport.

Look, look over there.

We'll get it closed.

Thank God.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute. There used to be an airstrip between here and Winnipeg.

It's called Gimli.

We're 18 miles out of Winnipeg. It should be there.

If it is, I don't see it.

Winnipeg.

This is 174.

My first says he did some Air Force time out here at a place called... Kimley.

Affirmative.

Roger, 174. I flew out of it a couple of times.

Well, it's not marked.

That's because it's abandoned.

Well, it won't be for long, given the heading.

I don't have it charted either.

But I remember the place, and I'm reading your position, and I can give

approximate heading only.

But can you fly there?

I think you're too high.

I'll have to side -slip.

A little bit now, and a whole lot when we get there.

Good luck.

Here's my best guess on a heading.

What's he mean, a side -slip?

Sailplane technique.

Uses opposing forces, cross -control ailerons, and rudder. And you lose

fast. Damn fast.

Turn right heading 3 -1 -0.

Got that?

Roger, Winnipeg.

I'm going to give it a try.

He'll pull his rudder left and bank right.

That pushes the plane sideways, giving it a bigger profile to the air current.

That creates drag and slows it.

But if it slows it too much, the plane will think like a rock.

I swear, we're moving away from Winnipeg.

It's impossible.

We're headed back.

I'm banking sideways.

Complaints go sideways?

This one is.

This next one, Gloria, you will come with.

You guys didn't come on this one.

got, Maurice?

Oh, I know. I don't know where you're going.

Well, you try and locate it. I'll try and keep this baby in the sky.

Rick, could you hang in here till we spot Gimlet?

Well, Maurice, I fall for it. I need somebody to keep their eye on my descent

and glide path, okay?

You got it.

But when we spot it, I'm out of here.

I gather you're an experienced flyer. When we land, can you manage that

emergency door?

Pleasure to help, however I can.

If you're as calm as you seem, I wish I were you.

Learned it in aerial combat.

Sometimes style is all you have left.

Alicia, I'd like to dictate a letter.

To my wife.

Actually, if you get to this point on the tape, could you shut it off and give

it to Anne?

Thank you.

God help me, this is hard. Maurice!

Just keep along the shoreline.

Can't find it yet.

The first time in my life I'd rather be on the ground than in the air.

I know that Rick wouldn't leave Chris and me if there was any real danger.

As long as he's up there, we're doing fine.

You're right.

You're absolutely right.

I'm

supposed

to pick up my folks at Edmond.

I wonder if anybody's called them.

We need someone, preferably someone strong, to help with the emergency

I assume you two would want to stick together?

No, I can help.

On second

thought,

we would like to stay together. I understand.

74, come in.

74, enough with the tear, right?

I would be if you leave me alone.

It's got to be there.

174, and you're on the right heading. What's your altitude?

4 ,000 and dropping.

Find it, Maurice, in enough time so I don't overshoot the strip.

When do we reach Winnipeg?

The engine's dead.

Of course not. These are just very quiet planes. Not that quiet.

What fell off the bottom of the plane? I heard a noise. Just routine. Don't lie

to me.

Just be cool, okay?

Okay. You want to help?

I need someone strong to work the emergency doors in case we need them.

do that?

Sorry.

What's... What did you do, close down the engines? This plane's awfully quiet.

It's just a quiet plane. Now keep your shirt on.

I wouldn't change seats if I were you. That's the only way they can identify

bodies.

Just try to be calm, all right? This is real hard on everybody.

174, do you see a small town along the spit of the land, the lakeshore?

Nothing.

The landfall's fading away.

Well, keep going. It's got to be there, 174.

Easy, Al. You can't fly it. Hey, I should have shut up.

I'm sorry, man. I shouldn't have jumped at you.

Forget me. Keep on 174.

It's no good. If they don't see it soon, he won't have the drag to drop on the

runway and he'll lose his profile.

And just drop.

What about Everett? Did you hear from the factory?

It's never happened before. There's no record of the plane ever running out of

fuel.

Well, we're going to make it. We'll just get some emergency vehicles out there.

Can't see it.

Can't see it.

Looks like this is it, Ann.

It all seems silly to me now.

All the time that I spent making a living.

And never making time to live.

I should have worked on loving.

I never did love working.

It was just the illusion of winning.

Sweetheart, I love you.

I love you so much.

Yeah, have them clear the emergency vehicles and reopen the runway.

And see if there's a patrol unit out near Gimli.

I'll call the active evacuation board.

Yeah.

Ready? Yeah, and call the army.

Probably going to need a graves detail.

It's got to be there. It's got to be there.

Stay calm, Maurice.

Then keep looking. We've still got a few minutes before we drop.

I can't see it.

It's got to be there. It's got to be there.

Can you drop it in a drink?

I can try, Rick. I can try.

He's going to put her in the water.

I just hope this big baby swims as well as she flies.

150 tons.

Hitting at 120 knots.

I'm not sure there's much chance of that.

It's no good.

I'm going to hit water.

Winnipeg, this is 174.

The only thing I have left is the puller to port.

There.

There. I see it. Yeah.

I see Gimli. Yes. Yeah. All right.

Winnipeg, what have I got?

Two runways.

Right is sometimes used for light aircraft.

Left should be empty.

Can you see the two runways?

No, but Maurice is dead on.

It's got to be it.

Remember, go left. That's the unused one.

Danny, how's it going?

Same as usual, you know, nuts and bolts.

Don't worry, Mommy. Daddy can fix anything.

He sure can.

But he may need a little help.

Just in case.

I think we should pray.

Go left.

Talk to me, Maurice.

Too fast. Too fast. We'll overshoot.

Lose altitude.

I'm already side -slipping.

Then we'll overshoot. Drag.

Drop the landing gear. That ought to do it.

Gear down.

Nothing.

Alternate gear extension.

That's it.

That's it.

I feel it.

No theories in the lock.

Late now.

Gotta be with you.

Bob.

Emergency landing position.

His face says it all.

Must be going down.

Wonder if the boys who flew with me in 1945 had time to think.

I was so young then.

Guess I'm lucky.

He's trying to reassure me.

He's still not thinking about himself.

Pretty soon, George, you'll be too fast for our little races, Mom.

I don't come for the races, honey.

People.

30 ,000 feet and closing.

Hang left.

Roger.

Steady. Hang left.

Why aren't I screaming?

I should be scared.

It's because I'm with you.

I love you with all my heart.

Why did it take us until the end to realize how much we had together?

No.

I knew it.

I knew it.

I knew it.

Find that runway.

2 ,500 feet.

Deeper descent.

3 ,000 feet and closing.

Hey, Joe.

Mom, print, okay?

Sure, but just one. Lunch is almost ready.

What will I say at the family reunion?

He never reached out.

And he thought of himself.

Oh, God, get me out of this.

I'll get it right, I swear I will.

Oh, my God, help me.

Get me through this, please.

Lower. Still lower.

More drag.

Going over.

Now, what better way?

Her child in her lap.

The man she loves at her side.

I will see my baby again.

I will.

What have we done to Chris?

What could his life have been?

Dear God, take me, spare my baby.

Where's that plane with you?

Where's the plane?

Where they land in that other airstrip over there.

There's one quiet plane, if you ask me.

Get these cars off the runway. That plane's coming down.

Move it. Move it. Drive it.

We're going to fire it. No!

Stay low, baby. Stay low.

In the exit.

Get out of here. The smoke will be poisonous. Go.

You too.

I'm going to help.

Everybody,

fire extinguishers out.

First aid blanket. Hurry.

Hurry.

My pleasure.

The extinguishers are dead.

Let's get out of here.

Come on, come on, come on.

Sir, speak first.

What's wrong with the baby?

It's okay, it's okay.

There you go.

Sir?

Pearl, go.

It's okay. Speak first, go.

No. Roll with it.

Come on, move.

All right.

Bob's still inside.

the flashlight.

Bob, are you all right?

Is he breathing?

Bob, Bob, can you hear me?

Bob!

What's keeping those emergency vehicles?

You did it.

You did it.

Thank God. All right.

All right.

Passengers in group. A few minor injuries. Everybody's off the plane.

Everybody's fine.

They're safe. You did it.

You did it. You did it.

We don't want to do it again real quick.

How's it feel to be home, sir?

Feels good to be home.