WEBVTT 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:25.820 Come in. Welcome. I'm E .G. Marshall. Where do 00:00:25.820 --> 00:00:29.050 you live in the North American continent? It's 00:00:29.050 --> 00:00:31.750 hard to imagine that given a reasonably clear 00:00:31.750 --> 00:00:35.390 day without cloud cover, you won't see an airplane. 00:00:36.609 --> 00:00:40.369 The great silver birds roaming the sky, sometimes 00:00:40.369 --> 00:00:43.409 leaving the contrail in their wake, written like 00:00:43.409 --> 00:00:45.750 a chalk mark on the blue board of the heavens. 00:00:46.869 --> 00:00:52.990 So safe, so sure, so poised. The actuarial figures 00:00:52.990 --> 00:00:56.560 prove beyond a shadow of a doubt. There is no 00:00:56.560 --> 00:00:59.960 safer method of transport, despite the myriad 00:00:59.960 --> 00:01:03.520 things that could go wrong. The only trouble 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:11.219 is that when something does... Flight 113 transways 00:01:11.219 --> 00:01:18.340 airlines to traffic control. Do you read me? 00:01:19.799 --> 00:01:26.659 Do you read me? The flight... Flight 113 to traffic 00:01:26.659 --> 00:01:34.239 control. Oh, read me. Read me. Oh, every transceiver 00:01:34.239 --> 00:01:42.200 can't be out. I'm flight 113 transwasted. No, 00:01:42.560 --> 00:02:00.209 I can't. I can't. Lady! Lady! The mystery drama, 00:02:00.609 --> 00:02:03.950 Terror in the Air, was written especially for 00:02:03.950 --> 00:02:07.170 the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Robert 00:02:07.170 --> 00:02:10.750 Dryden and Jennifer Harmon. I'll be back shortly 00:02:10.750 --> 00:02:26.810 with act one. Flight 113, Transways Airlines, 00:02:27.210 --> 00:02:32.289 took off from Miami, DC -9 four -engine jet bound 00:02:32.289 --> 00:02:35.409 for Seattle, Washington, with one set down at 00:02:35.409 --> 00:02:39.490 Kansas City. The bulk of the manifest was a large 00:02:39.490 --> 00:02:42.669 charter of meat packers returning from the convention 00:02:42.669 --> 00:02:46.789 to be dropped off at Kansas City. The small remaining 00:02:46.789 --> 00:02:49.509 nucleus of passengers was to be increased by 00:02:49.509 --> 00:02:53.569 only one pickup, 65 -year -old Dr. Sam McCall. 00:02:54.490 --> 00:02:56.870 A man, the crew, and his fellow passengers were 00:02:56.870 --> 00:03:00.419 to thank God. for the rest of their lives. For 00:03:00.419 --> 00:03:04.379 Flight 113 was a jinxed ship doomed to a nightmare 00:03:04.379 --> 00:03:08.039 that is shared by anyone who flies and against 00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:11.539 which every precaution is taken so that it won't 00:03:11.539 --> 00:03:14.719 come true. This is the story of the million to 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:19.300 one chance when it did and which began before 00:03:19.300 --> 00:03:23.389 the Florida takeoff. This is flight 113, Transway's 00:03:23.389 --> 00:03:26.129 airline, post K2. I'm ready to roll as soon as 00:03:26.129 --> 00:03:28.490 you get me someone to hold my hand. He's on his 00:03:28.490 --> 00:03:30.610 way right now from reserve. And what happened 00:03:30.610 --> 00:03:32.949 to Dave? His father had a coronary. He's pretty 00:03:32.949 --> 00:03:35.449 hairy, I guess, second time around. Dave took 00:03:35.449 --> 00:03:37.270 off for the hospital like he was fired from a 00:03:37.270 --> 00:03:40.150 gun. We're all checked out. I'll get back as 00:03:40.150 --> 00:03:44.789 soon as Dave's relief gets here. Come. Hi, Freddy. 00:03:45.509 --> 00:03:48.530 Well, what the Sam Hill is this? Just a moment, 00:03:48.770 --> 00:03:54.620 Captain. That's our jolly little cargo 115 slap 00:03:54.620 --> 00:03:56.800 -happy meat packers on their way home from the 00:03:56.800 --> 00:03:59.919 convention. Oh brother Just be glad you don't 00:03:59.919 --> 00:04:01.740 have to move among them. It's worse than being 00:04:01.740 --> 00:04:04.060 in Rome I probably won't be able to sit down 00:04:04.060 --> 00:04:06.419 for a week. I'll give him a blast on the horn 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:08.400 to tone them down Oh, no, they're all right. 00:04:08.400 --> 00:04:10.800 I can handle them. Just wanted you to know we're 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:13.159 loaded and your relief copilot is on the way 00:04:13.159 --> 00:04:18.910 Who'd I draw? Do you know? Look what you got. 00:04:19.709 --> 00:04:23.389 Oh, Doug Fletcher, not you? Now I know we're 00:04:23.389 --> 00:04:25.629 jinxed. Bits and stones will break my bones, 00:04:25.649 --> 00:04:27.490 but a few breaths coming through that crowd out 00:04:27.490 --> 00:04:29.290 there, and I'm already as high as a kite. Oh, 00:04:29.290 --> 00:04:30.670 now come on, let's cut the comedy. We're ten 00:04:30.670 --> 00:04:34.250 minutes late already. Fran, did Charlie check 00:04:34.250 --> 00:04:36.829 you out on the manifesto? Yes, Captain. Is he 00:04:36.829 --> 00:04:39.350 off the plane yet? We're all buttoned up. Okay. 00:04:39.889 --> 00:04:42.009 I'll go get that bunch quieted down out there. 00:04:44.009 --> 00:04:47.990 Hit the no smoke and seat belts. Right. Nice 00:04:47.990 --> 00:04:51.589 to have you aboard. Let's earn our pay. This 00:04:51.589 --> 00:04:55.709 is K -Flight 113 Transways, port K2 to ground 00:04:55.709 --> 00:04:58.410 control. Request permission to start engines. 00:04:58.769 --> 00:05:00.949 Do you have permission, Captain? Hit them, Doug. 00:05:06.290 --> 00:05:08.310 Ready to roll, soon as we get the good word. 00:05:08.430 --> 00:05:12.930 Go on in a second. Roger. Doug, where's G? Oh, 00:05:12.949 --> 00:05:16.149 at home with the little woman. You? Mmm. And 00:05:16.149 --> 00:05:19.209 Bibby's. I never can't pass up that chiffon pumpkin 00:05:19.209 --> 00:05:21.910 pie. Hey, that's funny. You know I'm a way down, 00:05:21.910 --> 00:05:24.509 huh? Still on the pipe, transways 113. Yeah, 00:05:24.550 --> 00:05:28.009 waitin' a roll. Okay. You're clear to taxi to 00:05:28.009 --> 00:05:32.930 runway 5, via Ovo. Roger. We still have CAVU 00:05:32.930 --> 00:05:35.769 for the flight? As far as Kansas City. Ceiling 00:05:35.769 --> 00:05:39.009 and visibility unlimited. Thanks. We're on our 00:05:39.009 --> 00:05:44.110 way. Have a nice flight. We aim to please. With 00:05:44.110 --> 00:05:47.060 the load we're carrying, we can't lose. Most 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:50.019 of them can make it under their own high. Otherwise, 00:05:50.100 --> 00:05:54.500 it looks like a milk run all the way. A milk 00:05:54.500 --> 00:05:57.540 run. The flight where nothing happens. Where 00:05:57.540 --> 00:06:00.620 everything goes according to the book. And so 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:04.339 it did, as far as Kansas City. In spite of the 00:06:04.339 --> 00:06:07.300 slightly raucous conventioneers who soon passed 00:06:07.300 --> 00:06:10.699 out quietly, to be pulled off the plane gently 00:06:10.699 --> 00:06:13.079 by the stewardesses two and a half hours later. 00:06:13.930 --> 00:06:16.709 Waiting to take off again, Captain Thomas and 00:06:16.709 --> 00:06:20.269 his co -pilot Ed Fletcher could have no slightest 00:06:20.269 --> 00:06:23.389 suspicion that the second half of the flight 00:06:23.389 --> 00:06:27.910 was to make disaster history. What are we waiting 00:06:27.910 --> 00:06:30.709 for, Captain? Tower clearance. Anything wrong? 00:06:30.930 --> 00:06:33.910 Nope. Something coming in, I guess. How's the 00:06:33.910 --> 00:06:36.829 load? You could shoot deer back there. Let's 00:06:36.829 --> 00:06:40.730 see. We have only 32 left. We didn't pick up 00:06:40.730 --> 00:06:43.959 anyone here? Only one, a doctor. It's very handy 00:06:43.959 --> 00:06:46.680 to have a board. Now what does that mean? Just 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:49.500 that we have a lady aboard, a married lady who's 00:06:49.500 --> 00:06:52.699 very pregnant. Oh, I hope we don't pick up any 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:54.860 rough weather. Well, you knock it off, you two 00:06:54.860 --> 00:06:57.360 Cassandras. Now let's get airborne before you 00:06:57.360 --> 00:07:00.610 discourage me from the whole flight. This is 00:07:00.610 --> 00:07:04.069 flight 113, Transways Airlines. I'm at number 00:07:04.069 --> 00:07:07.410 one requesting permission for takeoff. Acknowledge 00:07:07.410 --> 00:07:10.750 113, Transways. Be advised you are now cleared 00:07:10.750 --> 00:07:13.470 for takeoff. Here goes nothing. We're on our 00:07:13.470 --> 00:07:16.410 way. Fly happy, Captain. Only way to go. Thanks, 00:07:16.430 --> 00:07:33.490 Kansas, and out. Any takers, Inez? Yes, but not 00:07:33.490 --> 00:07:35.829 enough to get the drink cart out. Two scotches, 00:07:35.930 --> 00:07:38.069 one better than a stinger for the lady in first. 00:07:38.370 --> 00:07:40.730 We got that, a stinger? I'll take that one to 00:07:40.730 --> 00:07:43.449 her personally, crabby old bitty. I can manage. 00:07:43.649 --> 00:07:46.009 Oh, I'm going up on anyway, Inez. Maybe the boys 00:07:46.009 --> 00:07:48.670 want some coffee. Shall I call them? No, I need 00:07:48.670 --> 00:07:51.089 a little exercise. I want to check on our little 00:07:51.089 --> 00:07:53.569 mother -to -be anyway. She's pretty near her 00:07:53.569 --> 00:07:56.490 time, I think. Oh, not too, I hope. Ever been 00:07:56.490 --> 00:07:59.740 a midwife? Of what? Did you ever deliver a baby? 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:03.040 Oh, no, not me. Either for myself or anyone. 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:06.500 I think I would freak out. That makes two of 00:08:06.500 --> 00:08:16.519 us. I hope we don't have to find out. You sure 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:18.699 you feel all right, honey? Will you stop worrying 00:08:18.699 --> 00:08:22.670 for a... Well, it's just maybe I... I'm worried 00:08:22.670 --> 00:08:24.910 we shouldn't have done this. It's a little late 00:08:24.910 --> 00:08:29.050 for that now. I didn't mean the baby. I mean, 00:08:29.209 --> 00:08:31.870 flying to Seattle. It's still too late. Everything 00:08:31.870 --> 00:08:35.269 okay with you two lovebirds? Sure. Everything's 00:08:35.269 --> 00:08:38.049 just fine, sir. Make it grand. We're a small 00:08:38.049 --> 00:08:40.789 enough group to be a family. Anything I can get 00:08:40.789 --> 00:08:43.309 you? No thanks, Frank. How about you, Mr. Pierce? 00:08:43.450 --> 00:08:46.049 Oh, no, no, no, no, I'm just fine. It's only 00:08:46.049 --> 00:08:49.590 Jackie. The worry ward of the world about everything. 00:08:49.789 --> 00:08:52.269 It's just his nature. Well, this time I really 00:08:52.269 --> 00:08:54.590 have something to worry about. Well, not much 00:08:54.590 --> 00:08:57.409 longer. Only about an hour and a half to Seattle. 00:08:57.789 --> 00:09:00.789 I wouldn't want anyone to be embarrassed. Hold 00:09:00.789 --> 00:09:03.909 on until then. Oh, Jackie. She's putting you 00:09:03.909 --> 00:09:07.090 on. We brought a stopwatch so he can time the 00:09:07.090 --> 00:09:09.990 pains when they start. But don't get me wrong. 00:09:10.269 --> 00:09:13.110 I love him, but that's my exit cue. I've got 00:09:13.110 --> 00:09:19.610 to deliver this drink to someone. Excuse me. 00:09:19.929 --> 00:09:24.049 Dr. McCall, isn't it? What? Oh, oh, yes. I just 00:09:24.049 --> 00:09:26.389 delivered a drink to your only companion, the 00:09:26.389 --> 00:09:28.870 lady in the back. Is there anything I can get 00:09:28.870 --> 00:09:36.690 for you? For me? No. No, there's... Fasten your 00:09:36.690 --> 00:09:39.529 seat belt, doctor. It is fastened. Mind if I 00:09:39.529 --> 00:09:41.730 sit beside you for a moment? No, not at all. 00:09:42.330 --> 00:09:45.230 What is it? Freak storm. We weren't expecting 00:09:45.230 --> 00:09:46.870 it, or the seat belt lights would have been up 00:09:46.870 --> 00:09:50.590 before now. Are you feeling okay? Me? Oh, yes, 00:09:50.769 --> 00:09:55.009 yes. Why? Well, it's just there, doctor. General 00:09:55.009 --> 00:09:57.750 turbulence. We should be through it in a moment. 00:09:58.240 --> 00:10:00.580 I just wanted to make sure you didn't feel sick. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:04.639 Yeah, I feel sick, all right. But not from this. 00:10:05.340 --> 00:10:09.120 Well, I'm sorry. What can I say? Nothing. What 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:13.899 can anyone say? Pete would have been 30 next 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:17.379 week. From my angle, that's where life begins. 00:10:18.139 --> 00:10:24.980 But his ended. Pete? My son. First time I ever 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:28.120 flew first class in my life. Thanks to the Air 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:31.879 Force. They're flying Pete's body and the rest 00:10:31.879 --> 00:10:35.120 of his crew back from Guam. That's where they 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:39.480 crashed. His mother is buried in Winochki, you 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:43.419 see, where I used to practice. I wanted him to 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:48.320 lie with her. I'm sorry. I misunderstood about 00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:52.950 the way you were looking. That's all right. If 00:10:52.950 --> 00:10:55.590 it weren't for the rest of your board, I'd just 00:10:55.590 --> 00:10:59.889 soon cash in my chips right here. Well, it won't 00:10:59.889 --> 00:11:02.730 be that bad. It's just a pee -wee squaw. We're 00:11:02.730 --> 00:11:05.549 coming out of it. You can go on about your business 00:11:05.549 --> 00:11:08.470 and forget me. I guess we did blow right through 00:11:08.470 --> 00:11:10.990 it. Maybe I should get up and see if the captain 00:11:10.990 --> 00:11:16.009 of the copilot wants to call me. You get traffic 00:11:16.009 --> 00:11:18.679 control yet, Doug? I'm on my third frequency, 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:21.360 no response. Well, that devil idea. Couldn't 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:22.980 they have picked up what we just came through 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:27.279 on the radar? Search me. This flight 113, transways 00:11:27.279 --> 00:11:31.600 to control tower. Do you read me? Negative. The 00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:35.240 breaker's out? Ah, no, Captain. I checked. What 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:37.379 do you want, Fran? What happened? No warning 00:11:37.379 --> 00:11:39.980 on the fireworks. Came out of nowhere. No advance 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:42.220 from control? Yeah, we can't dig them up. Now, 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:44.679 do you want anything? No, just as long as we're 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:46.159 off the bump, though. I thought you might like 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:48.500 some coffee. Yeah, heavy on the cream, easy on 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:51.419 the sugar. Doug? Nah, I skipped the coffee. I'm 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:55.740 feeling a little off my feet. Hold it. This is 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:59.159 flight 113, transways traffic control. Do you 00:11:59.159 --> 00:12:01.860 read me? Anything serious, Doc? There will be. 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:05.340 We don't make contact. Oh, forget it. There are 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:07.940 so many backup systems beyond the regular frequencies. 00:12:08.080 --> 00:12:11.100 Emergency, Army, Navy, Sea Rescue, relay through 00:12:11.100 --> 00:12:14.139 another plane. No sweat, baby. Don't worry about 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:16.539 you. You don't look so hot. You should feel my 00:12:16.539 --> 00:12:20.639 stomach. Look, bring me a cola with lots of ice, 00:12:20.720 --> 00:12:23.539 huh? Wait a minute. We read you loud and clear. 00:12:23.799 --> 00:12:26.019 Where the hell have you been? We've been trying 00:12:26.019 --> 00:12:28.240 to raise you. Ah, ditto here. Now, where the 00:12:28.240 --> 00:12:30.740 devil have you been? I'm on emergency backup 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:36.419 now, and we are 27 ,000 cruising speed 485 knots, 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:41.139 holding steady, heading 2 -9 -0. You didn't get 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:43.519 anything from us on the regular channels. Negative. 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:45.659 Well, we just came through a freak electrical 00:12:45.659 --> 00:12:48.220 storm. Didn't you pick that up on radar? That's 00:12:48.220 --> 00:12:50.519 why we were trying to reach you. It came in from 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:54.169 nowhere. It's a whole front by now. Now, maybe 00:12:54.169 --> 00:12:56.429 that's what knocked the radio out. I was thinking 00:12:56.429 --> 00:12:58.350 of turning back, but maybe I'm better off as 00:12:58.350 --> 00:13:01.870 we go. What's up ahead? CAVU on present course. 00:13:02.370 --> 00:13:04.470 A little storm to the north over the Rockies, 00:13:04.509 --> 00:13:06.730 but you should bypass it. Yeah, we better. We've 00:13:06.730 --> 00:13:09.049 got a pregnant lady aboard. I'd like to avoid 00:13:09.049 --> 00:13:12.210 any more turbulence. Just in case, you want to 00:13:12.210 --> 00:13:15.750 send us up top? Stand by till I clear you. Standing 00:13:15.750 --> 00:13:20.169 by. Well, looks okay now, except for you, Doug. 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:22.940 What's the matter with me? You're a little green 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:26.039 around the gills. It's out home cooking, or did 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:28.440 a few buffs make you air safe. Oh, no, no, no. 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:32.860 I don't know what it is. I got the cold sweats. 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:37.639 C and double. It wasn't anything I got from Helen. 00:13:38.779 --> 00:13:42.220 Maybe I should have bypassed Aunt Bebe's. What 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:46.059 do you mean, Aunt Bebe's? I was trying to tell 00:13:46.059 --> 00:13:49.000 you before we took off at Florida. I couldn't 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:52.019 resist. Stopping off and having some chiffon 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:54.639 pumpkin pie for dessert. Damn it! That's what 00:13:54.639 --> 00:14:00.059 I had. So, you're lucky. It wasn't too rich for 00:14:00.059 --> 00:14:05.899 you. I... I don't know. I... I think I'm gonna 00:14:05.899 --> 00:14:09.580 pass out. Oh, boy. Fran. Yes, Captain. Fran, 00:14:09.700 --> 00:14:12.440 I hate to lay this on you. But I've been having 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:15.279 the symptoms Doug's complaining about. Good Lord, 00:14:15.539 --> 00:14:18.320 Captain. Oh, this is crazy. It can't be happening. 00:14:19.509 --> 00:14:22.750 Just couldn't be. Well, you'd better get back 00:14:22.750 --> 00:14:28.309 and bring that doctor up here. I feel like I 00:14:28.309 --> 00:14:33.690 can hardly move. Look at Doug. He's out. Your 00:14:33.690 --> 00:14:37.149 doc friend better be for real and get one of 00:14:37.149 --> 00:14:43.350 us. Operate? There's gonna be nobody left to 00:14:43.350 --> 00:14:46.789 land this, Pete. I'll get him right away. Hello. 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:55.139 Flight 113 transways to traffic control. You 00:14:55.139 --> 00:15:02.100 read me. Damn. Flight 113 to traffic control. 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:09.820 Oh, you read me. Read me. Every transceiver can't 00:15:09.820 --> 00:15:18.909 be out. Flight 113 transways read... May Day. 00:15:19.470 --> 00:15:32.289 May Day. May Day. May Day. The final and ultimate 00:15:32.289 --> 00:15:36.190 cry for help when an aircraft is disabled or 00:15:36.190 --> 00:15:40.490 out of control. The last word air traffic control 00:15:40.490 --> 00:15:43.750 ever wants to hear. For once that dread alert 00:15:43.750 --> 00:15:47.159 is sounded. everything moves with controlled 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:51.960 pandemonium. I'll return shortly with Act 2. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:07.299 In the air, secure on automatic pilot, the big 00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:10.960 DC -9 is a symbol of man's ability to conquer 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:15.159 a hostile medium, to make it his own. as safely 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:20.059 and sure as any bird. Inside this big bird, from 00:16:20.059 --> 00:16:23.419 the cockpit aft, the passengers have no notion 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:27.659 of what lies ahead, as yet. But on the ground, 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:31.600 if the mayday alert has gotten through, control 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:35.700 tower will be in charge, his voice calm but precise, 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:39.259 but underlying it, the ragged edge of knowledge 00:16:39.259 --> 00:16:42.860 he shares with every pilot who receives. That 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:46.799 man may conquer the elements, but never wholly 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:53.600 subdue them. Excuse me, Dr. McCall. Oh. Oh, oh, 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:56.259 yes, Doris. I'm sitting down beside you because 00:16:56.259 --> 00:16:58.620 I have no wish to alarm the rest of the plane. 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:02.440 You are a medical doctor, aren't you? Uh, if 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:05.619 I'm not, I've kept up the pretense successfully 00:17:05.619 --> 00:17:07.980 for more years than I'd care to say. Do you have 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:12.970 a doctor's bag with you by any chance? Yes. I 00:17:12.970 --> 00:17:16.529 don't know why. The force of habit. Why do you 00:17:16.529 --> 00:17:19.130 ask? There's some trouble in the cockpit. The 00:17:19.130 --> 00:17:21.410 pilot and the co -pilot seem to be in some sort 00:17:21.410 --> 00:17:24.289 of, well, have some sort of food poisoning. Could 00:17:24.289 --> 00:17:26.710 we just walk up there casually? We better get 00:17:26.710 --> 00:17:29.859 there fast. Not too fast. There's a lady watching 00:17:29.859 --> 00:17:32.559 us who is, well, volatile for want of a better 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:34.880 word. I don't want to get the rest of the plane 00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:38.200 alarmed. I'll tell you what. I left the cabin 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:41.259 door open. I'll keep her busy while you go forward. 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:44.779 Whatever you say, my dear. Are they conscious? 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:48.220 I don't know. The captain was when I left. Don't 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:51.900 worry. The plane's on automatic pilot. Well, 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:55.059 Mrs. Miller, did you enjoy your stinger? Perhaps 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:59.099 you'd like a repeat? The scene in the control 00:17:59.099 --> 00:18:01.700 room of the plane is enough to turn anyone's 00:18:01.700 --> 00:18:05.380 blood to water. In the co -pilot seat, Doug Fletcher 00:18:05.380 --> 00:18:09.180 is half slumped to the floor, out cold. In the 00:18:09.180 --> 00:18:11.960 pilot seat to the left, Captain Thomas is valiantly 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:15.299 trying to fight off his blackout, but only half 00:18:15.299 --> 00:18:29.809 conscious himself. I'm a doctor, Captain. What's 00:18:29.809 --> 00:18:34.130 the trouble? Oh, pain in my stomach. I want to 00:18:34.130 --> 00:18:38.309 throw up, but I can't. See, Devil, I can't keep 00:18:38.309 --> 00:18:44.109 my eyelids from closing. Let's have a look. Same 00:18:44.109 --> 00:18:48.069 with your co -pilot? Yeah. Did you eat together 00:18:48.069 --> 00:18:51.980 before you left on this flight? No, but... Both 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:56.000 have the same pie in Miami. A place called Aunt 00:18:56.000 --> 00:19:00.519 Vivi's. Pumpkin chiffon. That doesn't sound so 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:06.440 lethal. Oh, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. How are they, 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:09.519 Doctor? What's your name again? Fran. Okay, Fran. 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:13.119 I got to make a snap diagnosis on damn little 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:16.089 information. Looks like we have a couple of cases 00:19:16.089 --> 00:19:19.250 of botulism. What's that? That's the kind of 00:19:19.250 --> 00:19:21.430 food poisoning that affects the nervous system. 00:19:22.589 --> 00:19:25.569 Both of them are in coma. And there's some toxins 00:19:25.569 --> 00:19:27.690 that might be helpful, but I don't have them 00:19:27.690 --> 00:19:30.509 in my bag. Best we're gonna do is get plenty 00:19:30.509 --> 00:19:32.910 of cold towels and hope that we can bring one 00:19:32.910 --> 00:19:36.289 of them out of it. And if we don't? We are in 00:19:36.289 --> 00:19:41.190 real trouble. Any idea of our ETA? About midnight 00:19:41.190 --> 00:19:43.690 Seattle time. That's about... An hour and a half? 00:19:44.029 --> 00:19:48.009 Just about. Well, first thing is to try to save 00:19:48.009 --> 00:19:51.289 these boys. Can you call back on the intercom 00:19:51.289 --> 00:19:53.430 to one of the other hostesses and get some ice 00:19:53.430 --> 00:19:57.769 and plenty of towels? Yes, sir. First, help me 00:19:57.769 --> 00:20:05.869 move the captain onto the floor. This is Inez. 00:20:06.069 --> 00:20:08.819 What you want, control. Deep breath, hon. You 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:10.799 sound like it's bad enough news for me to pass 00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:13.339 clear out. It isn't good, but I'm counting on 00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:16.220 you. You put it that way, Fran. You can count. 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:18.799 We have mucho trouble up front, but we don't 00:20:18.799 --> 00:20:21.779 want to get the passengers panicked. Sure, but, 00:20:21.779 --> 00:20:24.420 uh, Keir, what goes? We need all the ice and 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:26.819 towels we can get up front. Use the drink cart 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:29.259 as a cover and come through as fast as you can. 00:20:29.660 --> 00:20:36.519 Muy bien, querida. Leave it to Ines. Are you 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:39.900 all right, baby? I'm fine. Why, Fred? I don't 00:20:39.900 --> 00:20:42.960 know. You seem to be sort of squirming around. 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:45.960 That isn't me. It's your first boy. Here comes 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.940 a hostess with a card now. You want some milk 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:50.460 or something? Your sun and air may be active, 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:53.559 but he's not quite ready for that yet. What? 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:57.680 What? Milk. I don't know, Jackie. I get the notion 00:20:57.680 --> 00:21:00.359 you're working me over. Maybe we shouldn't have 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:02.720 taken this trip. Why not? Because you resent 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:05.410 it. I just thought, you know, a first baby and 00:21:05.410 --> 00:21:07.950 all, you'd be safer in Seattle with Mom and then 00:21:07.950 --> 00:21:10.990 all alone in Kansas City. I wasn't exactly alone 00:21:10.990 --> 00:21:14.230 there. Well, you didn't have any kinfolk to help 00:21:14.230 --> 00:21:16.930 out. Did it ever occur to you, I'd just like 00:21:16.930 --> 00:21:20.630 to have my baby by myself? Oh, it's my baby too. 00:21:21.049 --> 00:21:24.529 Sure it is. You've just got to excuse us uptight 00:21:24.529 --> 00:21:27.250 females at the end of the pregnancy route. We 00:21:27.250 --> 00:21:29.829 forget it's anything but just us and Junior. 00:21:30.549 --> 00:21:34.019 You're the only two to count. And you first. 00:21:34.500 --> 00:21:36.779 Cheer up, honey. Everything's going to be all 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:40.000 right. I was thinking about something cold to 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:42.900 drink, but we missed the boat. Or I should say, 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:45.799 cart. Inez is already all the way through to 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.819 first class. Look, I could go and get us... No, 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:51.200 no, no. It doesn't matter. So, catch her on the 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:58.660 way back. Who is it? Inez with the towels and 00:21:58.660 --> 00:22:02.930 ice. Just a minute. Let me in quick. Big nose 00:22:02.930 --> 00:22:05.849 there is smelling trouble. Who? The lady with 00:22:05.849 --> 00:22:08.930 the stingers. She doesn't matter. Help me and 00:22:08.930 --> 00:22:10.670 the doctor get some cold towels on the captain 00:22:10.670 --> 00:22:13.690 and Doug. They are fast out. I hope that's all. 00:22:14.170 --> 00:22:17.109 Then who is flying the plane? That's a good question. 00:22:21.269 --> 00:22:25.049 It's no use, girls. They're in deep coma. Can't 00:22:25.049 --> 00:22:28.069 you bring them out of it? I doubt it. Can we 00:22:28.069 --> 00:22:31.470 get them hospitalized? If then. They're not going 00:22:31.470 --> 00:22:37.390 to die. From food poisoning? Botulism? That may 00:22:37.390 --> 00:22:39.630 be academic, though, unless we figure out somewhere 00:22:39.630 --> 00:22:43.670 to land this plane. Either of you pilots? No. 00:22:44.390 --> 00:22:48.069 Not me. Are we deadheading any back there? No. 00:22:48.509 --> 00:22:52.109 Jet manifest? Right here. None of our pilots. 00:22:52.609 --> 00:22:56.549 Anyone on the list who flies? I doubt it. Oh. 00:22:57.609 --> 00:23:02.099 So that leaves me. You're a pilot? Eh, no matter 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:05.920 speaking. Before my wife died, when we lived 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:09.440 in Winochki, I used to share a beat up old Cherokee 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:12.420 one prop plane with another doctor. Only way 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:17.200 to get to patients in outlying areas. I guess 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:19.940 that's what got Pete all strung out on a flying. 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:24.640 Ah, that was small potatoes. It's over six years 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:28.140 since I touched the controls. What can I do with 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:31.440 this? Somebody's got to do something. Not only 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:34.220 to save the captain and Doug Flies, but 34 more 00:23:34.220 --> 00:23:37.700 of us, including you. Well, what have we got 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:40.799 to lose? You keep those coal towels on the captain 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:43.619 on the floor. I'll leave the co -pilot in his 00:23:43.619 --> 00:23:49.680 seat to save room. Oh, this maze. Like a forest 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:52.289 primeval. All right, give me the headphones. 00:23:53.589 --> 00:23:56.049 Now where is radio in this mess? Right here, 00:23:56.289 --> 00:23:58.210 doctor. But they were having trouble with the 00:23:58.210 --> 00:24:00.970 regular frequencies. What's it set on now? I 00:24:00.970 --> 00:24:03.990 don't know. Army, air rescue, emergency maybe. 00:24:04.450 --> 00:24:09.329 So, let's see what we can raise. Hello? Hello, 00:24:09.329 --> 00:24:13.170 anyone? Can you call me? Can you hear me? We 00:24:13.170 --> 00:24:16.890 are receiving. Identify yourself, please. Oh, 00:24:16.950 --> 00:24:19.880 sure. This is Dr. Sam McCall. We are awaiting 00:24:19.880 --> 00:24:23.940 identification. I just told you this is... I 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:27.000 guess I have to remember to press down the button 00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:29.900 on the wheel for you to hear me, huh? We can 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:32.680 hear your reply. What did you say? Wait a minute. 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:36.799 What did you say? Let go of the button. To explain 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:40.019 to you that to receive us, you must release the 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:43.579 red button on the wheel. And to transmit, you 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:48.640 must press it down. Over to you. I get it. Then 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:53.940 will you identify? Sure. I'm Dr. Sam McCall. 00:24:54.960 --> 00:25:00.279 Pete McCall's father? You know my son? Very well. 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:03.160 But that doesn't matter for the moment. Will 00:25:03.160 --> 00:25:06.539 you identify your aircraft? Oh, yes. This is 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:11.200 Flight... What's the number? 113 Transways Airlines. 00:25:11.880 --> 00:25:13.720 Arnaz, you hang in here. I'm going back to check 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:18.470 the passengers. Flight 113... Transways Airlines. 00:25:18.970 --> 00:25:21.950 Oh, yes. You're the Mayday. That's us, brother. 00:25:22.410 --> 00:25:25.970 Well, can you give us your position? I can try, 00:25:26.069 --> 00:25:29.269 but with this maze of instruments, I'm not familiar 00:25:29.269 --> 00:25:32.890 with them. Where are your pilots? Both in a coma. 00:25:33.849 --> 00:25:36.509 Botulism poisoning. Any chance they'll be out 00:25:36.509 --> 00:25:39.069 of it within the next hour and a half? Hard to 00:25:39.069 --> 00:25:43.180 tell. I'd say kind of doubtful. They both were 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:45.119 hit so bad, it's a toss -up whether they can 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:47.900 hold out against respiratory paralysis. And there's 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:50.799 no other qualified commercial pilot aboard? That's 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:53.460 right. The only guy who ever flew anything is 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:56.140 me. And then it was just a little old one long 00:25:56.140 --> 00:25:58.539 Cherokee prop you flew by the seat of your pants. 00:25:58.980 --> 00:26:01.460 And if you can fly a Cherokee, you can fly a 00:26:01.460 --> 00:26:04.279 DC -9. You're gonna have to teach me, brother. 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:07.160 And I sure hope you can in the next hour and 00:26:07.160 --> 00:26:09.720 a half. Because if you don't tell me how to bring 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:12.470 her down, I guess we're just gonna... head out 00:26:12.470 --> 00:26:15.750 over the Pacific till we run out of gas and cop 00:26:15.750 --> 00:26:23.029 into the sea. A situation to challenge the worst 00:26:23.029 --> 00:26:26.890 nightmare you ever dreamed. Behind him are over 00:26:26.890 --> 00:26:30.849 30 people depending on him for their lives. Facing 00:26:30.849 --> 00:26:34.029 him is a mass of instruments, dials, switches, 00:26:34.369 --> 00:26:37.230 buttons and levers, most of them unfamiliar to 00:26:37.230 --> 00:26:40.930 him. which control the 100 plus tons of airplane 00:26:40.930 --> 00:26:44.430 that he must put down on the ground safely within 00:26:44.430 --> 00:26:48.109 a short span of 90 minutes. I shall return as 00:26:48.109 --> 00:27:03.019 soon as I can with act three. He sits in the 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:06.759 cockpit of a four -engine jet monster 31 ,000 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:11.480 feet above the ground, alone. A 65 -year -old 00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:14.539 man who joined this flight with nothing but death 00:27:14.539 --> 00:27:19.880 on his mind. Dr. Sam McCall, widower, now flying 00:27:19.880 --> 00:27:22.460 to pick up the coffin and the body of his pilot 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:27.119 son who died tragically in a crash on Guam. Now 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:30.650 suddenly, by a massive wrench of fate, He is 00:27:30.650 --> 00:27:34.230 thrown back into the stream of life because he 00:27:34.230 --> 00:27:37.069 is the only person aboard who can fly this plane. 00:27:37.650 --> 00:27:41.309 And landing it safely depends on the quiet voice 00:27:41.309 --> 00:27:45.190 in his headphones. Now, did you locate the altimeter? 00:27:45.950 --> 00:27:49.609 Yeah, I have it. What does it read? Thirty ten. 00:27:49.829 --> 00:27:52.890 Good, good. Now you're at thirty one thousand. 00:27:53.509 --> 00:27:55.970 And that is your altitude until further instructions. 00:27:56.650 --> 00:28:01.019 Look at the instrument panel. I hate to. It scares 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:04.019 the hell out of me. There's the bank and turn 00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:07.420 indicator. And this looks like it could be the 00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:10.500 airspeed indicator. So just take it easy, Doc. 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:13.400 You've got this thing licked. You know enough 00:28:13.400 --> 00:28:18.559 about it. Okay, Doc? Confirm. Hey, I like the 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:21.440 Doc part, too. Something about having a name 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:24.779 makes me feel more at home. Do I get one for 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:28.900 you? Affirmative. This is Colonel Blake. Okay. 00:28:29.049 --> 00:28:33.410 Colonel, we'll use our titles. Now, how do I 00:28:33.410 --> 00:28:36.710 fly this crate? That's a breeze, Doc. Now, just 00:28:36.710 --> 00:28:40.309 look down and you'll see the rudder pedals. Put 00:28:40.309 --> 00:28:43.809 your feet on them. Now, look for your airspeed 00:28:43.809 --> 00:28:47.230 indicator and get familiar with it. That's the 00:28:47.230 --> 00:28:51.190 one left of the two circles dead ahead. Yeah, 00:28:51.190 --> 00:28:54.210 I got it. And above that is your climb and dive 00:28:54.210 --> 00:28:58.089 indicator. I see it. Now, directly to your right. 00:28:58.140 --> 00:29:02.740 are stabilizer and trim levers. Now, you come 00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:06.000 to your throttles. They should be set at cruising 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:09.240 speed. What is your airspeed indicator read? 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:14.420 485. Roger. That's right where she should be. 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:18.660 Now the pedestal, those are the yellow throttles. 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:23.140 The forward increases your speed. Check? Check. 00:29:24.119 --> 00:29:27.539 A back decreases, right? Right, right. But they 00:29:27.539 --> 00:29:31.210 must be... Be coordinated and gentle. Now, do 00:29:31.210 --> 00:29:34.309 you locate the automatic pilot switch? It's up 00:29:34.309 --> 00:29:37.390 there on the console. Over your head, to the 00:29:37.390 --> 00:29:40.210 right slightly. Yeah, I have it, Cuddle. Now, 00:29:41.029 --> 00:29:44.690 you are ready to fly the plane, Doc. I hope. 00:29:44.809 --> 00:29:48.509 No sweat. You've flown before. This baby's just 00:29:48.509 --> 00:29:51.730 a little bit bigger. Now, hands on the wheel, 00:29:52.289 --> 00:30:22.869 feet on the rudders. What a difference I can 00:30:22.869 --> 00:30:29.089 feel every ton of it sluggish heavy Sure, sure 00:30:29.089 --> 00:30:31.789 she feels different from a Cherokee, but remember, 00:30:31.970 --> 00:30:34.930 Doc, all controls are on servomechanism. They 00:30:34.930 --> 00:30:37.130 react, you know, from the slightest touch to 00:30:37.130 --> 00:30:40.009 like power controls in a car. So we're gonna 00:30:40.009 --> 00:30:43.349 let you feel that out. Very, very gently, we're 00:30:43.349 --> 00:30:47.509 gonna have you descend a little. Okay, Doc? You're 00:30:47.509 --> 00:30:51.930 the boss, Colonel. Just till you take over. So, 00:30:52.269 --> 00:30:55.609 grip the four knobs in the center. We're gonna 00:30:55.609 --> 00:31:01.000 ease up on the throttle. Not so fast. Easy. Ease 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:05.440 it off. You notice it's getting quiet. Now, easy. 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:11.880 Push forward, slowly on the wheel. Boy, she responds 00:31:11.880 --> 00:31:17.019 quick. Pull back. Pull back. Now, ease forward 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:23.079 again. You notice she's going quiet? Yeah. I 00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:31.269 don't like it. That's the way she goes. She's 00:31:31.269 --> 00:31:33.470 getting away from me. Took her right out of my 00:31:33.470 --> 00:31:37.269 hand. Slow up. But slow. Yeah, I am, but she's 00:31:37.269 --> 00:31:39.450 bucking like a steed. You're over -correcting. 00:31:39.829 --> 00:31:42.509 Easy, easy does it. Remember, Doc, it's just 00:31:42.509 --> 00:31:45.269 a touch. The servomechanism does all the rest. 00:31:46.029 --> 00:31:49.890 Now, bring your nose down. Wilco. That's a comforting 00:31:49.890 --> 00:31:56.609 old word. It's all scary. Real scary. I don't 00:31:56.609 --> 00:32:01.660 know if I can make it. You can cut it, Doc. We're 00:32:01.660 --> 00:32:04.559 going to try banking left and right a little, 00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:13.579 just so you have the plane well in hand. What 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:19.859 is it, Jackie, baby? It's the baby. I'm afraid. 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:25.779 Yes, it's so near. The pains are almost every 00:32:25.779 --> 00:32:30.250 minute. Oh, Lord. What are we going to do? I'll 00:32:30.250 --> 00:32:34.250 try to hold on. Honest, I will, but... Stewardess, 00:32:34.609 --> 00:32:37.829 friend, it's Jackie, my wife. She's having the 00:32:37.829 --> 00:32:40.269 baby. Here, help me get these seat backs down 00:32:40.269 --> 00:32:42.450 in front. Stretch her out. I'll get blankets. 00:32:43.089 --> 00:32:46.089 Inaz? Yes, friend. Get up to the cockpit and 00:32:46.089 --> 00:32:49.089 tell doctor Mrs. Pierce's baby is coming. I'll 00:32:49.089 --> 00:32:51.329 do my best to handle it. I'll try not to bother 00:32:51.329 --> 00:32:53.349 him, but I might have to call for instructions 00:32:53.349 --> 00:32:56.670 on the intercom. Sure, sir. Sure. So get going. 00:32:58.450 --> 00:33:01.619 Ladies and gentlemen... Listen to me, please. 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:05.900 There is no reason for panic. The plane is in 00:33:05.900 --> 00:33:10.000 good hands. I want to get all of us as far back 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:13.420 towards the tail as we can. Everyone find their 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:16.720 life jackets. I inflate them as instructed when 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:19.799 we were taking off. We have a lady who is about 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:23.440 to deliver her child. I'm asking you to the rear 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:26.680 as much for her privacy as for any other reason. 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:31.599 We are all going to be alright. If the good Lord 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:34.940 grants us a new somebody into the world, he sure 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:37.380 doesn't plan to take all the rest of us out of 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:47.819 it. Excuse me, doctor. How's it going? Not so 00:33:47.819 --> 00:33:51.680 bad now. Back on automatic. Taking a little rest. 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:55.359 How's everything back there? Oh, not bad. Not 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:58.380 good. I mean... Frank, she asked me to tell you 00:33:58.380 --> 00:34:00.579 she's handling it, but she might have to call 00:34:00.579 --> 00:34:04.079 by the intercom in case because there's a lady 00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:07.759 having a baby. Oh, that's nice. I'll try to set 00:34:07.759 --> 00:34:11.340 it down easy as I can. What does it do? I don't 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:13.760 know exactly when, but it's on the way right 00:34:13.760 --> 00:34:18.539 now. In the midst of death, we are in life. Or 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:22.179 is it the other way around? Does Fran know what 00:34:22.179 --> 00:34:25.639 to do? I don't know. She said she would do her 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:28.960 best, but... What's that? Intercom. You can throw 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:33.400 this switch here. Oh. Hello? Hello, doctor. It's 00:34:33.400 --> 00:34:35.980 Fran. Everything okay up there? For the moment. 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:38.880 I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a problem. 00:34:39.300 --> 00:34:41.980 The lady who's giving birth? Yes. The baby is 00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:46.059 coming, but it's positioned the wrong way. Breach 00:34:46.059 --> 00:34:49.719 birth. Look, you can't handle that. I tell you 00:34:49.719 --> 00:34:52.679 what. We have an odd 25 minutes to play around 00:34:52.679 --> 00:34:54.860 with. To hold everything, I'll be right back. 00:34:57.000 --> 00:35:00.940 Flight 113 to control. I am receiving you. Well, 00:35:00.940 --> 00:35:03.400 how much time do I have before we start descent 00:35:03.400 --> 00:35:06.639 approach? 25, 30 minutes. All right, then hang 00:35:06.639 --> 00:35:10.199 on till I get back to you. Before I try to land 00:35:10.199 --> 00:35:13.460 this plane, I got to do something I really know 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:22.860 about. I've got to go deliver a baby. This is 00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:27.170 flight 113 of my term. to control we have you 00:35:27.170 --> 00:35:32.210 doc how's the baby a fine boy kind of makes up 00:35:32.210 --> 00:35:36.289 a little for my own how do we stand you're ready 00:35:36.289 --> 00:35:39.710 to get off automatic and commence descent at 00:35:39.710 --> 00:35:44.550 485 knots you should be coming down at 1500 feet 00:35:44.550 --> 00:35:50.690 per minute roger i'm now commencing descent very 00:35:50.690 --> 00:35:54.969 good now hold that descent rate to 1800 feet 00:35:58.989 --> 00:36:02.510 Funny thing, Colonel. What's that, Doc? I just 00:36:02.510 --> 00:36:05.769 accomplished something very difficult. Bringing 00:36:05.769 --> 00:36:09.889 one life into the world. I hope I'm as successful 00:36:09.889 --> 00:36:14.329 in keeping 37 lives protected. They're already 00:36:14.329 --> 00:36:22.869 here. We're now coming in on your final approach. 00:36:23.590 --> 00:36:26.769 The descent is fine. How do you feel? Oh, I'm 00:36:26.769 --> 00:36:33.789 okay. Going a little fast. Okay. All right. Now, 00:36:34.349 --> 00:36:37.269 we lower the wheels. You remember the exercise? 00:36:37.849 --> 00:36:42.929 Affirm. Pull out rear lever and push down. Watch 00:36:42.929 --> 00:36:46.030 for three green lights indicating wheels down. 00:36:47.670 --> 00:36:50.349 I have the green. Okay, the landing gear is down. 00:36:51.070 --> 00:36:53.849 We have you in sight. Now give her some throttle 00:36:53.849 --> 00:36:57.150 as the gear slows you down. I feel the drag. 00:37:03.469 --> 00:37:07.389 degrees of flaps at it. Confirmed. Roger. Hold 00:37:07.389 --> 00:37:12.389 it there. Maintain airspeed at 127. Maintaining 00:37:12.389 --> 00:37:15.469 speed. You're doing fine. Keep your feet on the 00:37:15.469 --> 00:37:18.789 pedals. Keep her nice and level. Can you see 00:37:18.789 --> 00:37:34.400 the runway? I see it. Alright, alright. Yeah, 00:37:34.400 --> 00:37:38.119 it's dropped 10, 20. That's all right. You know 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:41.820 you're slowing up. And you're in, so get your 00:37:41.820 --> 00:37:46.519 brakes and drop your nose. Confirm. Hold your 00:37:46.519 --> 00:37:50.420 rudder. Hold your attitude. Keep that yoke back. 00:37:50.800 --> 00:37:53.840 That hard back. Keep that yoke back. Push hard 00:37:53.840 --> 00:37:57.420 on those brakes, Doc. Push hard. Should I reverse 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:59.820 engine? No, no. Steady on the rudder pedals. 00:38:26.730 --> 00:38:29.230 And in the operations office of the airport, 00:38:29.449 --> 00:38:31.789 the hero of the hour has been sequestered in 00:38:31.789 --> 00:38:34.829 blessed relief from all the hoopla and excitement 00:38:34.829 --> 00:38:38.309 by the airport director. Anything I can get you? 00:38:38.570 --> 00:38:41.190 A drink or something, doctor? A bed, mainly. 00:38:42.469 --> 00:38:45.030 First, though, I've got some thank yous to dispense. 00:38:46.269 --> 00:38:50.130 Was it you who talked me down? I don't understand. 00:38:51.429 --> 00:38:53.530 Was somebody on ground communications landed 00:38:53.530 --> 00:38:58.539 that big crate without damage? Not me. Who was 00:38:58.539 --> 00:39:01.980 on the horn with me all the way in? Well, nobody. 00:39:03.199 --> 00:39:06.500 What do you mean, nobody? I was talking to myself? 00:39:06.920 --> 00:39:09.500 All I mean is that out of Kansas City, everyone 00:39:09.500 --> 00:39:12.820 lost contact with Flight 113. As far as we're 00:39:12.820 --> 00:39:14.920 concerned, on the ground, only one man set her 00:39:14.920 --> 00:39:18.780 down, Dr. Sam McCall. Yeah, but that's crazy. 00:39:20.099 --> 00:39:22.219 Colonel Blake was the one who monitored every 00:39:22.219 --> 00:39:26.920 move I made. If it wasn't for him... Me and everyone 00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:30.719 aboard, including the new young man, would have 00:39:30.719 --> 00:39:33.480 been gone geese. I couldn't have landed that 00:39:33.480 --> 00:39:37.480 skyscraper by myself. You see, you were in radio 00:39:37.480 --> 00:39:40.539 contact all the way? Sure, with Colonel Blake. 00:39:41.840 --> 00:39:45.519 Colonel Jackson Blake? I never did get his first 00:39:45.519 --> 00:39:49.420 name. Well, why? You know him? No, not personally, 00:39:49.559 --> 00:39:53.840 but... Well, he was the pilot of the plane and... 00:39:53.880 --> 00:39:57.940 which your son crashed and all personnel were 00:39:57.940 --> 00:40:05.659 lost. He said he knew my son Pete. You're trying 00:40:05.659 --> 00:40:08.880 to say he was dead all the time? Well, the only 00:40:08.880 --> 00:40:12.239 thing I know is that right beside your son Pete's 00:40:12.239 --> 00:40:14.559 coffin is one that contains a Colonel Blake. 00:40:15.460 --> 00:40:19.820 And your radio was out cold when no one else 00:40:19.820 --> 00:40:26.590 could have talked you down. What can you add 00:40:26.590 --> 00:40:30.449 to that? An elderly man who hadn't touched a 00:40:30.449 --> 00:40:34.610 plane control in six years and then only a single 00:40:34.610 --> 00:40:38.989 engine landed several tons of modern multi -engine 00:40:38.989 --> 00:40:44.769 jet by himself in radio silence. Or was there 00:40:44.769 --> 00:40:48.449 some other force beyond that which brought him 00:40:48.449 --> 00:40:53.489 home? You make up your minds. I'll be back shortly. 00:41:05.099 --> 00:41:09.159 I won't vouch for the story you just heard. It's 00:41:09.159 --> 00:41:12.119 part and parcel of many legends. There was a 00:41:12.119 --> 00:41:15.280 whole crew who got poisoned eating key lime pie. 00:41:16.139 --> 00:41:18.900 There is a story of the radio operator of a sunken 00:41:18.900 --> 00:41:22.619 aircraft carrier who talked a plane home. Tale 00:41:22.619 --> 00:41:25.260 of a dead son who brought his father down and 00:41:25.260 --> 00:41:29.800 so on and so on. All we ask on this program is 00:41:29.800 --> 00:41:35.889 not belief, just suspension of disbelief. Our 00:41:35.889 --> 00:41:38.170 cast included Robert Dryden, Jennifer Harmon, 00:41:38.449 --> 00:41:41.429 Earl Hammond, Richard Seth, and Hetty Galen. 00:41:41.710 --> 00:41:43.829 The entire production was under the direction 00:41:43.829 --> 00:41:47.190 of Hyman Brown. This is E .G. Marshall inviting 00:41:47.190 --> 00:41:50.170 you to return to our mystery theater for another 00:41:50.170 --> 00:41:56.130 adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant 00:41:56.130 --> 00:42:14.769 dreams. My name's Bill Garrity. Have a good night 00:42:14.769 --> 00:42:17.730 tonight and a better day tomorrow. Have a good 00:42:17.730 --> 00:42:23.150 weekend. See you Monday morning. KOIN in Portland. 00:42:23.369 --> 00:42:23.989 It's 12 midnight.