All language subtitles for Cone of Silence with Michael Craig 1960 - 1080p HD Film (inglés_ASR)

Heat.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

Now, Captain Gort,

I want you to bring your mind back four

weeks in time to the night of May the

16th, Branch Bad Airport.

Please don't think that this is in any

way a cross-examination.

It's just you and me putting our heads

together to try to find out why this

accident took place. Thank you. I'm sure

that you and all the pilots who have to

fly the Phoenix just as anxious to

determine the truth as the

manufacturers, the Atlas Aviation

Company whom I have the honor to

represent. Now, Captain, we have heard a

good many theories in this inquiry. But

what are the facts? The aircraft Phoenix

Victor Fox under your command was at

Ranger with 89 passengers, six crew,

four tons of freight, a maximum takeoff

weight of 170,000 lb. Now I ask, what

happened? Certainly nothing like it has

ever happened before. The Phoenix's had

been in operation for months before the

accident, functioning perfectly.

Yet on this single occasion at a

particular airport in a particular

country under the command of a

particular pilot, Captain Gort,

an accident occurs.

Why?

Now sir, the time is 2357 Ranchbad local

time. Here is Captain Gort. Beside him,

first officer Lamorn. Captain Gort has

already calculated from the Atlas

Aviation Company's graph that in these

conditions of weight and temperature,

the unstick speed, that is the takeoff

speed, is

>> 118 knots.

>> Exactly. Thank you, Captain.

The captain has signed the load and trim

sheet and is satisfied that mechanically

everything is just as it should be. Then

all six engines are started. Mr. Lambour

obtains permission to taxi and Captain

Gort slowly taxis out to takeoff

position on runway 27.

Now, Captain, what next?

>> We were clear to take off. Climb on

course to 42,000 ft. Great circle to

Cairo.

>> Yeah. The conditions

>> dark, very hot, spitting with rain.

>> But you can see the boundary lights at

the far end of the runway.

>> Yes, but no horizon.

>> Had you any inkling whatever that this

was not going to be a normal takeoff?

>> None.

>> Mhm. I see. And then you switched on

your landing lights.

>> No, I don't use landing lights for

takeoff. It's not required by the

regulations.

>> And of course, you always operate

strictly according to the book.

>> Of course.

Go on, Captain. What then? I turned to

Mr. Lamborghorn and put my thumb up. He

put his thumb up, too.

>> And

>> I opened all six engines to full power,

released the brakes, and the aircraft

began.

>> So, fairly slowly, I take it, because of

the high temperature and the fact that

you were so heavy.

>> Yes.

>> Then faster until Mr. Lamour called out

75 knots.

>> Yes.

>> When you pulled back on the control

column,

>> that is when I've been instructed to

lift the nose wheel off the ground. So,

the red boundary lights were nearer now,

>> naturally.

>> Did Mr. Lambourne say anything to you at

this point?

>> Yes. He said, "God, we're eating the

runway."

>> But you had not reached the unstick

speed, and that made you concerned.

>> Well, we both knew from the graph

calculations that we'd use a lot of

runway.

>> And then

he called out 118 knots at last. So you

moved back the control column for the

unstick, but Victor Fox remained on the

ground

>> first. Yes. Then it rose a few inches

above the runway for a second or two,

then it touched down again.

>> But it was too late now to do anything

about it except go on.

>> Yes.

>> So you went on trying to get airborne

until the red boundary lights went by.

>> Yes.

>> What then?

>> I shouted to Mr. Lanborn, "It won't come

off." And then

what then?

>> The Phoenix started to bang up and down

on rough ground.

I slammed the throttles back. There was

a tremendous bump, terrible grinding

noise, and I felt the port wheel

collapse. The aircraft shuddered,

then suddenly stopped.

>> Go on, Captain.

I pressed all four emergency crash

buttons, shouted abandoned aircraft,

then went after the passengers cabin.

They were all right. Stuart and I got

them out of the aircraft.

Then I went forward again to see if the

crew had all left.

Only Mr. Lambo was there, still in his

seat.

I shouted, "For heaven's sake, get out,

Eric." I rushed up and shone the torch

in his face.

Then I saw that he was dead.

>> Captain, uh,

Captain Gort,

you've given us a very clear picture,

but it doesn't solve the problem, does

it?

Why did the Phoenix fail to take off?

Now, let's go back to the time when you

lifted the nose wheel off the ground.

The speed is 75 knots. You pull back on

the stick

>> by ease back. I don't use strength to

fly an airplane.

>> Up and up came the nose.

>> Not as high as that.

>> It was pitch dark. There was no horizon.

You had no instrument guidance. And you

still say that you know how high you

held the nose up?

>> I do.

>> How?

>> I have 19,000 hours experience

>> in piston engine aircraft. Captain, in

the Phoenix 30,

>> regardless of type, you get a six sense.

>> Please allow me to proceed. The wing at

this angle is exposed to immense drag

slowing the aircraft down. Perhaps Mr.

Lamborn, who was worried,

>> I didn't say it,

>> anticipated a fraction the air speed of

118 knots.

>> No.

>> Automatically, you pulled back on the

stick.

>> He's back.

>> But the aircraft was so nose high that

it couldn't achieve flying speed.

>> But I never got the nose that high.

Look, I can show you exactly what

happened. I took you into the wrong Let

go.

Can you proceed, sir?

>> As far as Captain Gort is concerned,

sir, I've finished.

>> Well, how nice. Were you looking for me?

>> No. Oh, Billy. Well, never mind. Now

that we know each other,

>> we don't. And if you'll kindly move, I'm

going inside. A

>> you can't. Council's already made a

dreadful fuss about the press going in

and out. Now, what would I suggest?

>> When does Captain Gork give evidence?

>> He's just kidding. You missed it. Sir

Arnold made rings around him if you're

interested.

>> Look, uh, why don't we have tea together

and talk it over?

>> Talk what over?

>> Well, what I mean is you want the story,

I can give it to you. Of course,

there'll be a small charge for inside

information.

>> I thought this was a public inquiry.

>> Yes, sir, it is. But uh you're talking

to an expert.

>> Expert in what? Apart from picking up

strange women.

>> Uh here we are.

Two TE's, please.

Well, I shall always remember our first

meeting. Soft lights, sweet music, and

discreet selfservice.

>> Expert in what?

>> H Oh, that I'm the training captain of

the airline. So, you trained Captain G

for the Phoenix?

>> Yes, I did.

>> Then you're Captain Dallas?

>> Yes, that's right.

>> Shilling.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Sugar on the table.

>> Service with a smile.

>> Hey,

I'm afraid it's a bit rough. Doesn't

>> matter.

I want to know about the inquiry.

>> Oh, yes. The inquiry.

>> How's it going?

>> Just as everyone expected.

>> And how's that? They eliminated all

possible causes of the accident except

one.

>> A fault in the aircraft.

>> No.

>> What then?

>> Well, it's not over, so you mustn't

quote me. But I can tell you what

they'll say. Pilot error.

>> I don't believe it.

>> My dear girl, you don't know anything

about it.

>> Do you?

>> Obviously,

>> it wasn't his fault. It was the

aircraft.

>> You're talking nonsense. They got all

the pieces, checked every single thing.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with

the aircraft. There must have been.

>> Look, we spent years building up the

Phoenix. It costs millions of pounds,

>> and your future's wrapped up in it.

>> Well, I don't see what the hell that's

got to do with it.

>> Why are you getting so worked up

defending old man Gort? Do you know him?

>> He's my father.

>> Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I thought you

were a reporter.

>> I'm a secretary. Thanks for the tea.

[Music]

I didn't break the damn thing.

>> Of course you didn't.

>> Don't be silly, Charlotte. You weren't

even in court. I'm talking about the

model.

Between us, we managed to drop it. Cost

a lot of money.

>> You're worried about the result, aren't

you?

>> Well, why should I? I did my best to get

the aircraft off. Nobody could have done

better.

>> Of course not. Don't worry. You'll be

flying again soon. I'm just going to

wash up these things and then I'm going

to bed.

>> Good night, father.

>> Good night.

>> You'll go too, won't you?

>> Yes. Yes, of course.

>> Soon. It's half 11.

>> Well, I just want to finish that book

you gave me.

>> You finished it yesterday?

>> Yes. So, it is.

[Music]

>> Father, you're sleeping all right,

aren't you?

>> Yes. Yes. There's no trouble about

sleeping. It's just

it's Lambo and Charlotte. I dream about

him. Nothing to do with the crash or

anything like that.

Just his face.

I think I'll stay up a bit longer. You

go to bed.

[Music]

Heat.

Heat.

That's all right. Straighten up.

Okay, let's go home.

How often does Pickering go up?

>> Whenever he can. Never misses a chance.

He's like a new man since the result of

the inquiry. He's a He's a funny bloke.

He's very difficult to talk to. Only got

one subject, the Phoenix. You get him to

talk about that only if you got plenty

of time to spare.

You know, he still carries the first

sketch he ever made of it around in his

pocket. I'll go and see if he's

finished. Be back in a minute to do the

field approach check.

>> Okay,

>> Nigel, we're going in now. You finished?

I'll come up front. Everything all

right?

>> Fine. Come on then.

[Music]

Man, that's what I call an aircraft.

>> Enjoyed yourself?

>> I'm sold.

>> Fly is right.

>> Fly is be. It's the height that gets me.

First time Birdman Bradock ever felt

like a real spaceman. Must make you feel

pretty good, Mr. Pigory.

>> Perhaps this will interest you.

That's how I first saw the Phoenix.

>> You noticed the wings?

>> Yeah. I always thought wings were such a

headache these days.

>> We were lucky.

>> Now, the speed range is what? 100 to um

600 mph.

>> Just a bite.

>> Good looking, too. There's only one

thing.

>> What's that?

>> Now, this lift business, there's

obviously a lot of lift here, but it's

getting less and less all the way down.

Now, must be just about zero at the tip

here. Oh, higher speed's fine, but

surely at low.

>> All that's checked and rechecked 100

times.

>> Is it? How?

>> How?

>> Yeah.

>> What do you think we've got a wind

tunnel for?

>> Now, what's got into him? Hat.

[Music]

Sorry I'm late.

>> Oh, hello here.

>> I ran into our eager beaver flight

captain.

>> Chad,

he's off to Sydney organizing an

extension of the route.

>> Looked as though they had a full load.

>> Building up all the time everywhere

except Rand Japan.

>> I take it that's not what you called me

over for.

>> No, this. You read it?

>> Yes. It's pretty well what we expected,

isn't it? Pilot error. What happens to

Gourd?

Three years loss of seniority and a

severe reprimand.

>> Have you told him?

>> Yes.

>> How'd you take it?

>> You said the board could think what it

liked. He was satisfied he'd done

nothing wrong.

>> Pilot error. Yes. It's tough having to

live with a thing like that. What are

they going to do with him? Well, that's

what I want to see you about. The

chairman's left it to me to do the

sensible things.

You I've given it a lot of thought. I

think we should keep him on the Phoenix

fleet.

We should what? Subject to a

satisfactory check by you.

>> You must be crazy. What? After a crash

like that, killing his first officer? If

Lamon had been properly braced, he

wouldn't have been killed. But he was

killed. That doesn't make G anymore to

blame. I'm sorry, but I don't agree.

You know, once years ago, I undersshot a

runway and touched down on the grass.

Ground was frozen hard. Nothing

happened. 6 months later, somebody else

did exactly the same thing when it had

been raining and put the aircraft on his

back. Result of the inquiry. Pilot

error. All right. I know there's often

only a hairline between being blamed and

getting away with it. You were just

lucky, that's all.

>> And Gort wasn't.

>> But his mistake was elementary.

>> So elementary. I can't see how he can

have made it. Can you? The point is, he

did make it. And we can't afford to take

any chance. Now look, Hugh, he's got

millions of safe miles behind him, more

than any two other Phoenix pilots put

together. and we're desperately short of

jet pilots. All I'm asking is an

impartial check. Then, if you're still

not satisfied, that's it.

[Music]

All right. If that's what you want, I'll

give him a check. He better be bloody

good.

Now

[Music]

I see if you can find the cone of

silence.

[Music]

You try and follow him through on there.

This is the best instrument flying test

there is. No visual aids whatever. All

he's got to go on is what he can hear.

He's got to find his way blind to the

cone of silence there. And it's pretty

small.

>> Difficult to get the drift, isn't it?

>> Yes. particularly with this gusty wind.

From where I've started him, I doubt if

he'll make it.

>> The ends are getting clearer.

>> Yeah.

>> Well, surely you can hear him.

>> Don't know what he's playing at. He's

way off the leg here now.

Why doesn't he do something?

I think he's going to miss it.

>> You'd be surprised how often they think

they're in this sector when actually

they're flying away from it on this one.

When they find they've done something

wrong, they're they're apt to get

panicky and start trying to let down

without knowing where they are.

>> What do you do then?

>> Only thing I can do, fail them. One

thing you learn in this job, beware of

pity.

[Music]

Ah, he's turning.

Not enough.

>> Wait a minute. The signal's building.

Must be closer than I thought.

He's got the drift anyway.

[Music]

Cone of silence.

[Music]

See the approach check. All right,

that's it. That down to 1500 ft.

Heat.

[Music]

[Applause]

Heat.

There's only one thing.

>> Yes.

>> I thought you stayed in the end signal a

bit too long.

>> I got the drift. I knew what I was.

>> I grant you that. But

>> the wind was gusting. I didn't want to

be blown across into the A sector.

>> That's fair enough.

>> Perhaps you'd like a second opinion.

>> I don't need one.

>> Then tell me where I went wrong. Where I

failed to follow the book.

>> Oh, come off. But it's one of the best

checks I ever did on anyone.

>> Well, then what's the trouble?

>> You're back on the roof.

[Music]

>> Everything's fine. I believe you've met,

Captain Dallas.

>> Yes, we've met. How are you?

>> I'm all right, thanks.

>> You must come and have a meal with us

sometime.

>> Yes, I'd like to.

>> We'll make it soon.

>> Good. Come along, father. Goodbye,

Captain Doug.

Looks a good check. First grade. I'm

glad. You know, he's unholy accurate. He

had me fooled on the range flying test.

stayed way off the leg to the last

possible moment, then let himself be

drifted slap into the cone. Pretty

impressive.

>> Oh, well, I told Pickering about it. He

wasn't any too pleased. He'll get over

it. And you don't know Pickering. By the

way, he says there won't be an aircraft

available for training for another two

weeks. So, is it all right if I do a

trip down the route?

>> Well, yeah, they'll be glad to have you.

Do you want me to wait till Jud gets

back?

>> No. No. He's still organizing things in

Sydney. sends me about 500 words on the

teleprinter every day.

>> Always the Viva.

>> Yeah, he's a good flight captain. I'll

fix your trip sometime next week.

Thanks. I'll be at the factory when you

want me.

>> All right.

Oh, operations. It's Dallas here. Uh,

can you tell me when Captain Carter will

be available for a flight check?

Uh-huh. I see. Thanks. Oh, uh, ju just a

minute. Um, when's Captain Gort due

back?

Friday. Uhhuh. And uh can you tell me

his home number?

>> Hello.

>> Hello, Miss Gordon.

>> Speaking.

>> Oh, it's Hugh Dallas here. Is your

father in?

>> No. Uh I'm afraid my father's away on

service.

>> Oh, what bad luck. I I should have

checked. Um, well, knowing he's keen on

Shakespeare,

>> I booked three seats for the old Vic

tonight. Perhaps you and I could still

go

>> tonight. Uh, I'm afraid I've already

arranged to go to the Vodivville.

>> Oh, dear.

>> In any case, isn't the old Vic closed

for redecoration? What?

>> Oh, good lord. I I seem to have last

week's paper.

>> How stupid of me.

>> And how unkind of them to sell you seats

for an empty theater.

>> Yes.

>> Yes. I can't understand that it

>> Good night.

See,

Mitchell,

hello.

You

I've just got in.

Long time no see. I thought I'd done

something wrong.

You You're awful.

What are you doing tonight, Joyce?

>> I'm supposed to be going out with

someone.

>> Yes, with me. So, you're being called

out unexpectedly for service.

>> Is that what you say?

>> That's what I say. Um, any particular

show you'd like to go to?

>> What about the Vodville?

>> Verville?

Oh. Uh, you're you're sure there's

nothing else you'd rather see?

Thank you,

Mr.

>> Spanhu. Remember last time

>> in Rome last summer?

>> I'm sorry. What was that?

>> I was thinking of that evening in Rome.

>> I don't suppose you get on the route

much nowadays?

>> Actually, I'm going out quite soon. Is

this all right or would you like to

change places?

>> No, really. I can see perfectly.

>> Anything that matters?

>> No, no. I just think it's a bit warm in

here.

I've noticed it.

>> Good evening.

>> Evening.

>> Who's there?

>> Are you sure we're in the right theater?

Are you?

>> Oh, Jud. When did you get back?

>> Yesterday. Trighton brought me. Nice

pilot. Nice pair of hands.

>> Ruth to Sydney all organized.

>> Pretty well. Well,

>> we don't often see you at the factory.

>> Just thought I'd come over and have a

gab. How's the new chaff, Bradock? Oh,

>> he's pretty good. Doing a trip as first

officer.

I've just been having a talk with

Pickering. He told me what's been

happening while I've been away.

>> Oh, yes.

Well, our company has always got on

pretty well with Atlas Aviation, but

Pickering's upset.

>> Yes, I know about Gort. Well, he's

wrong.

>> So, now Gort's back on the Phoenix

route.

>> Yes, he's done one flight since his

check. He's on his second now. What are

you worried about?

>> The route's my pigeon

>> and getting competent pilots for the

route is mine. And Manninghams was to

get rid of Gord or put him back on

piston engine aircraft for without any

fuss.

>> Was it? The chairman told him to do the

sensible thing.

>> Exactly. To out him. But he didn't. You

know why? He's had a crash himself and

he's an old pal of Gorts.

>> Manningham's not like that. He's the

reverse if anything. Anyhow, I passed

Gort, not Manningham.

Do you mind if I use my desk?

You realize what you've let yourself in

for with Gort loose for another 5

months? Look, Clive, I threw the book at

him and he threw it right back at me.

Word perfect. You can't check everything

in a couple of hours. How about

emergency after an explosive

decompression? Did you check him on

that?

>> No.

>> Well, take him up again.

>> When he passes, what then? Tell him he's

failed. You seem to think I got

something against George. Personally, I

like him, but sometimes these things

have to be done.

>> The competition getting stronger all the

time. The Comets are now the American

jets. My only concern is to get younger

men. I think George is getting past it.

He's a first rate pilot, but he's too

old for the Phoenix.

>> Before the check, I'd have agreed with

you, but he was so darn good. I think

he's a fine example to the younger ones.

We need a man like him.

>> You may be right.

I hope you are.

Okay. It's all yours,

right?

>> Ah, hello. What are you doing here?

>> I switched flights with Jennifer Brent.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

I was a door row. Do you know who took

me out the last time I was here?

>> Huh?

>> Cloud Jud. That surprised you, didn't

it?

>> Surprised me even more if you enjoyed

it. Well, Jud's a great organizer, but

he's not exactly my idea of a gay

evening out.

>> No, mine really, but it was a great

honor, of course.

>> But he made that quite clear.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

Thank you.

>> It's fun, isn't it?

>> Yes, I'm enjoying it.

Much better than the place we went to

last time.

>> You mean where that waiter tried to

pinch you? Ah,

>> now please, Captain Davis.

>> You must miss Piggy on the route.

>> Oh, I don't know. You missed the flying.

It's a bit tiring just circling the

airfield doing checks.

>> You did the one on Captain Gore, didn't

you?

>> Yes.

>> Wasn't it his daughter the theater the

other night?

>> Yes.

>> She's very attractive.

>> Oh, do you think so?

>> Don't you?

>> Why hardly know her? Was there a her

husband with her?

>> Good lord know she isn't married. At

least don't think she is.

>> That's funny. I got the impression you

knew her quite well.

>> What gave you that idea?

>> Well, when she arrived, you seemed so

upset.

>> That's ridiculous. I've only met her

once, then only for 5 minutes.

>> Sorry.

>> It's all right. Let's go, shall we?

>> To the hotel.

>> Look, Joyce, I'm awfully sorry, but I'm

afraid I'll have to drop you there.

I promise to have a drink with the chap.

>> I see.

>> Well, something I can't very well get

out of.

>> It's all right. You

say

[Music]

Charlotte, these graphs are out of date.

You haven't entered the last electricity

or the gas.

>> Oh dear, I forgot.

>> How can we keep track if you don't enter

the readings?

>> Sorry.

>> They're like the graphs we keep for the

Phoenix. If we keep check, we know

exactly where we are. You can't be too

careful.

>> What about this? Is this being too

careful?

>> I got that in Rome. It was ridiculously

cheap.

>> Oh, yes.

>> You're very sweet.

>> Well, I'm just going to get ready. I'll

be late at the airport. Now, be a good

girl and fill in those graphs

>> so that we can keep track.

>> I'll get along or you'll be late, too.

[Music]

In the arrival of Phoenix flight 139

from Cairo with passengers embarking for

Kolkata, please go to the main hall to

collect their baggage checks and seat

reservation. Thank you.

[Music]

>> Only half full, Mr. Robinson. I do my

best for the company, Captain. Got the

publicity for the Phoenix here in

Rajabud.

>> Hello there.

>> Oh, hello B. Flight plan ready for

signature count.

>> Your crew look cooked to a ton. What's

the idea? Why aren't you in tropical?

>> My first officer left his topical kid at

home and the book says all the crew have

to be dressed alike, so nothing else.

>> Yes. Yes. Well, sooner are you than me.

>> Thanks.

>> You better go before your navigator

catches fire.

The bus is ready to take you into

Rajanabad, Captain.

>> Oh, thanks. We'll wait till Captain G's

taken off.

[Music]

All set. All set up.

[Music]

Goodbye and thank you.

>> Thank you.

What's wrong with you?

He's not going to get it off.

All right, Mr. Robinson, let's go.

[Music]

Mr. Bradock.

Mr. Bradock.

Take over. Okay.

Looks like a squall. H those brown ones,

they're the worst, are they?

>> Yes. Terrific upcurrens tear your wings

off at this speed. Brown ones are nearly

always small. A

>> but at night.

>> Oh, you get some warning. Turn 10°

starboard.

Weather boys are good. They weren't

always.

I got into one of those squalls once,

try to get under it. Went down to 300

ft.

>> 300?

>> Yes. Yeah. But that was 20 years ago.

>> Well, I'm still going to do my rounds

now.

[Music]

Go on, buck up and take these rounds.

Otherwise, you'd send us off of slow

service, you know. Here.

[Music]

Well, home about tomorrow.

In a few weeks, the route will be

through to Sydney.

>> That'll suit you.

>> Australian beer can wait. Besides, I

found a bar in London where they sell

it.

>> Well, I'm singing. Good night. Good

night.

Cod of Beacon. All right, I'll take a

look.

We're cleared to descend from here.

Estimating range of Madden just over the

hour.

>> 27,000.

>> Here's the layer. Cloud Kolkata

reported.

>> Yes, I see it.

[Music]

We should be through this stuff by now.

It is layer cloud. The outside

temperature is nearly 0 centigrade.

Seat belt lights.

>> Would you mind fastening your seat belt,

please? Thank you.

21,000.

Bet more to this than they reckon.

Hailstones. Look at the size of them.

Every giving them to you.

through the hail.

>> Got to slow down. Wings will be off in a

minute. Have to climb through speed

quickly.

Watch out

2210

[Applause]

1

9

full

sun flap.

[Music]

Good.

Lower the underc carriage at 155.

155. Wait for it. The oxygen. Where's

the oxygen?

Try and hold out, boy.

[Music]

Are you all right, sir? Yes. But watch

me. Going down now.

Lost speed.

7,000 ft.

Clear level

cushion in the wind split.

Do you need any oxygen? I'll let it

keep it there. Won't belong.

I'll have to land from the right hand

seat, right?

Paragraph 7.

I'd like to suggest that the straps on

the crew's oxygen mask should be

strengthened.

Paragraph 8. The crew's oxygen masks,

road maps, charts, books, and some

personal equipment have been written

off.

Hump form 365 to Yes, Captain. Well,

that's all. You have it typed out. I'll

read inside it.

Hasn't gone to the hotel.

>> Yes, Captain.

>> Good. Well, tell your maintenance where

not to say anything about this broken

windscreen.

>> I will, sir.

>> Nobody believe those hailstones who

hadn't seen them. Don't want anybody to

get a wrong idea of the phoenix. Give a

dog a bad name, you know.

>> I understand, Captain.

>> Good night. Good night, sir.

[Music]

up and down.

>> You know, it was the bouncing that I

found so trying.

>> I must have traveled 50,000 miles by

air, but I've never met conditions like

it.

>> Here's our captain. Well, Captain, I

thought you'd all be in bed by now. How

are you now, Mr. Right?

>> Wow.

>> What about you, Siri?

>> Oh, we've been talking like mad,

exchanging symptoms, you know.

>> It was a pressurization failure, you

say, Captain?

>> That's right. Yes. Freak storm.

Tremendous hailstones.

>> Yeah, it was very disquing at the back.

My lungs are not what they were, I'm

afraid.

>> Well, it wasn't too good for it.

>> You use up an awful lot of energy in a

storm like that. And at that height,

there's not very much oxygen.

>> Captain, we met somewhere before. I know

your face now. Where? Where was it?

>> Well, I've been flying all over the

world for quite some time, Mr. Right.

>> I I suppose you'd call that sort of

thing an air quake. Eh,

>> very good words, sir. Well, if you'll

excuse me, I think I'll turn in now. We

have a whole day here tomorrow while I

check pressurization before I take you

on again. Uh, if you still want to come

with me.

>> Oh, why certainly? Why all the

passengers were singing your praises all

through dinner?

>> Wait a minute, Captain. You did

something terribly brave before. That's

right. We hadn't met. I've seen your

photograph in the papers.

>> Oh, I I think you're confusing me with

someone else. Yes. Well, if you could

excuse me now. Uh, hope you all sleep

well. Good night.

That's all.

>> Oh, thank you very much.

>> Almost sure it was something here in

Ranjaban.

Hello. Speaking. Yes.

Cancellations.

But why? What's the matter with them

all?

Oh, I see. Very

well. I'll try to get them on the way

India names.

M right. Mr. Drinkwater.

[Music]

Edward. Hello, Nigel. Go on in.

Sedon,

how are things at the factory?

>> I came to let you know there's going to

be a delay in delivering the Phoenix M2.

>> Huh? Why?

>> Modifications, improvements,

>> such as strengthening the windscreen.

>> What? Oh, that. Yes, I read it. Hail at

that height. Can't guard against

everything. Still, I have to admit, the

gawk put up a very good show. A less

experienced man would have tried to

bring it on too quickly and torn the

wings off. He followed the book exactly.

Mhm.

Anyway, it proved how strong the phoenix

is. We knew that already.

Ah, how long's this delay?

>> 3 4 months. Your training program will

have to wait. I'm sorry. Oh, talking

about training, there's another thing.

Dallas,

>> what about him? Don't want to sound

inhospitable, but we need the room he's

been using. We're very busy over there

>> on the modifications.

>> Yes, among other things.

Thank your stars. You're not a designer.

You get an idea, you work like hell. You

involve yourself and thousands of others

in a project costing millions.

>> Yes. Yes, of course. But this delay is

going to ruin our plans. Quite apart

from the publicity campaign.

>> Sorry, can't help that.

>> We have our difficulties, you know.

>> So do we. Morning.

>> Thank you.

Hello, George. Hello. I hear you had a

rough trip.

>> Just one of those things.

>> Must have livened things up for you.

Worry the passengers much.

>> Well, they few of the older ones, but

they were well looked after. Had a good

crew. Makes all the difference. You busy

these days?

>> Yes, I'm moving over here from Atlas.

The training schedule's postponed for a

while. or no aircraft.

>> Oh, then you'll be able to come and have

that meal with us one evening.

>> Yes, of course.

>> Hello.

>> Good evening.

>> Come in.

>> Thank you.

>> I'm afraid father's not back yet.

Won't you sit down? I think that's the

most comfortable.

>> Thank you.

>> Let me get you a drink. Would you like

gin or sherry?

>> Have you got any beer?

>> Yes.

>> I'll give you a hand.

>> No, don't bother. Sit down. And I won't

be a moment.

[Music]

>> Been to the theater much lately?

>> What?

>> Oh, uh, no, not a great deal.

>> Lucky they managed to change the tickets

at such short notice.

>> Yes, wasn't it?

Let me do that.

>> Quite a mixup, isn't it? What?

>> All this?

Oh,

>> the room. No, I think it's very nice.

>> Souvenirs of 30 years flying. He always

brings something back.

>> This time I hear it's a commendation

from the company.

>> Yes.

>> Isn't he pleased?

>> He didn't say much about it.

>> They've only ever been about four, you

know.

>> Yes. I believe the last time was when an

elephant got loose in a frighter.

>> Anyway, he must be glad to be back on

the route.

Did you know they'd offered him a ground

job?

>> Ground job? What kind of a job?

>> Operations adviser at headquarters. It's

more money, I believe.

>> You don't mean to say he's taken it?

>> No, he turned it down.

>> I'm glad. So would I.

>> You don't really mean that.

>> Why not?

>> Well, it was you who wanted him off the

Phoenix.

>> Who told you that?

>> You did. the first time we met at the

inquiry. Have you forgotten?

>> Oh, look, Charlotte. Well, we've never

really had a chance to talk about this.

I'm sorry I said so much.

>> To me or to the court?

>> Well, to you, of course. I didn't know

you were George's daughter. What I said

to the court doesn't really concern you.

>> I think it does. It was your evidence

that helped to get father blamed.

>> Oh, just a minute. Who was it past him

fit to go back on the route? I did.

>> He was reprimanded. That can't be wiped

out by a check flight. They only brought

in pilot error

>> only. It could hardly be worse, could

it?

>> Yes, it could have been negligence,

which is a damn side worse. All the

pilot error means is that in a in a

certain situation, your father didn't do

quite the right thing.

>> That's not true. I know father would

always do the right thing.

>> You're not a pilot. You don't know what

the hell you're talking about.

>> I know this much. You all wanted him

blamed. Anything as long as it wasn't

your precious phoenix. Oh,

>> now you are talking nonsense. And

>> now you pretend you're glad he turned

down the ground job.

>> Listen to me, Charlotte. I'm surprised

you can come here.

Are you

>> Hello, Hugh. Charlotte been making you

feel at home?

>> Yes, completely.

Anyway, I'm not kidding. It is God. Oh,

come on, Mitch. He's all right.

Every time I look at that roster, I pray

it won't be Captain G.

>> Morning, Mr. Minty. Miss Mitchell.

>> He heard you.

>> He didn't.

>> He did. You know,

>> all right. Perhaps he didn't. Come on,

snap out of it.

>> Hello. What's the matter with you?

>> Nothing.

[Music]

[Laughter]

Evening. Give me a nice lagger, please.

>> Hello, George.

>> Hello, John.

Bring it in, will you?

>> I thought this flight was crying. He

went sick, so they asked me. They always

seem to ask you, don't they? Well, it

only meant coming out a couple of days

earlier.

>> Nice to see you anyway. Have a good

trip.

>> Very good. Thanks.

>> You must be tired.

>> Know more than anyone else after 4,000

miles.

>> Of course.

>> Been here long.

>> I came yesterday with Bates. I'm on this

route checking business.

>> What's that?

>> Origin. You'll be in the official bonnet

making sure the boys down the line fly

according to the book.

Well, I didn't know you had any

instructional experience.

>> I'm not instructing, just checking.

Becoming with you tomorrow.

>> Checking me? You mean?

>> Well, don't glare at me, George. There's

nothing to it. This business is pure

formality for you. You'll have a good

yarn together, then you can buy me a

drink in Singapore. See you tomorrow. I

got a date. Night up, Chad.

>> Good night. Good night. Good night.

>> Good night.

>> Well, that's that. You did very well.

Mrs. Odie looked rather heavy going to

me.

>> She was. What does Modie do?

>> His boss of Send Airways. We may do

business with them. Bit of lucky we're

on this flight. Three is an awkward

number. You've been a great help.

>> I'm glad.

>> I expect the crews take you about quite

a bit, huh?

>> Not much.

>> But you have a good time on the route. I

mean, you're well looked after, aren't

you? Oh yeah.

>> Well, you ought to be happy flying on

the Phoenix.

>> Well, that rather depends on the

captain.

>> I mean in the air.

>> I mean in the air, too.

>> Oh, by the way, I'll be coming with you

tomorrow.

>> You?

>> Mhm.

>> Oh, I am glad.

>> Oh, glad as all that.

>> Why?

>> Well, if you come, you'll be able to

keep an eye on things.

>> Because Captain G happened to have an

accident. Stuart Essi shouldn't jump to

conclusions about his flying.

I'm sorry.

>> You asked me how I told you.

>> I just have a feeling that whenever

Captain Gort's flying, something's going

to happen.

>> Then you forget it. It won't.

>> But after a crash like that, how can you

be sure?

>> Because he had a very thorough check

before coming back on the route.

>> Are you dare?

>> Of course. Why not?

>> Just that it must have been difficult

for him.

>> Difficult?

>> I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.

Maybe we ought to go.

>> Oh, wait a minute. Why should it be

difficult? Well, he couldn't very well

fail him.

>> Of course he could. What was it to stop

him?

>> Captain G's daughter.

>> Gourd's daughter?

What's the tie between her and Dallas?

>> I'm not sure exactly. All I know is that

we went to the theater one night. She

came and sat behind us and he seemed

quite upset.

>> Upset? How do you mean?

>> Well, nervous. Not at all like himself.

And then in the interval, she came into

the bar and he rushed me out before we

had time to finish our drinks. I see.

>> Look, Clive, that's between us, isn't

it?

I expect you're right about Captain Gor.

I'm probably being silly.

>> Not at all. Don't worry about it. Let's

have another of these.

>> Hello.

>> P ready for signing. Captain,

>> this is Captain G's flight, not mine.

Take it to him.

>> What's the unstick speed from the graph?

Oh, we're pretty heavy, sir. It's 114

knots. Captain Goods, just check.

>> Uh, weather's pretty stinking low down,

sir. But per 9,000. Report that to your

captain, Mr. Williams.

114. That's right.

>> Yes, sir.

>> George, mind if I do the takeoff? If you

want to?

>> I'm doing so much office work, I haven't

been getting much practice lately. 35

embarting here, sir. Business is

stepping up.

>> Let's wait till we get a full load. Then

we really have something to shout about.

[Music]

Victor Metro. Roger. Add.

[Music]

That's all. Very well, but wait until

they have a full load. Then we'll have

something to shout about.

[Music]

114.

[Music]

[Applause]

Victor Metro altimeter 10 0 06 mibars

visibility 2 mi in rain

northerly 17

>> runway 33.

>> Runway 33. Thank you.

>> You mind if I stay up front to watch the

landing?

>> No, Mr. Williams, that Captain Bre have

you seat, will you?

>> Runway 33. That's a short path.

>> Yes.

>> Never landed on it before?

>> No.

>> So, wouldn't you prefer the long one?

>> No. Too much crosswind.

>> Runway 33 is very short.

>> It's only 1,600 y. All right. For a

piston engine aircraft, not long for a

Phoenix.

>> With this wind, long enough.

You're the captain.

>> Field approach check.

>> Al meter set.

>> Drags checked.

Cabin signs.

>> Relax here.

>> Oh, shut up.

>> Runway ahead.

You're a bit high, aren't you?

The runway is short. Don't forget.

[Music]

Watch your speed.

6,000.

Shall I get 8% flap?

>> Not yet.

[Music]

[Music]

Nice. Nice landing. Bit low on the

approach there.

>> Low surprise me. You're in a hell of a

hurry to get those flaps down.

Now John, you were too low. They found

this around the port wheel. Looks like

we hit the hedge coming in.

Come in.

Huh?

I thought you were down the route. I

know you're somewhere.

>> I just came in in Victor Metro.

>> Uhhuh.

>> Back early, aren't you?

>> Yes. For a reason. You know, I went out

to check pilot operation on the route.

>> I had a memo about it. I check Bates and

he's okay. Then Gort. It's not too good,

I'm afraid.

>> Huh? In what way?

>> Just unsatisfactory.

>> Can't you be more specific?

>> He came in too low at Kolkata. He was

lucky to get away with it.

>> So, you feel he should be suspended, is

that?

>> Oh, well, of course. That's for you to

say. I wouldn't want to.

>> Here we go again.

He's not due out until a week tomorrow.

That gives us 8 days to sort it out.

Dallas has just moved in over here.

Let's see what he has to say.

Settling in. Well, it's rough and ready,

but it's home. Hello. Hello, Phil.

There's been a bit of trouble about

George Gor down the route. What

happened? Well, nothing's happened yet.

But I did a check on him and found him

unsatisfactory naturally.

>> Right. Well, that's what you wanted,

isn't it?

>> Look here.

We're all in this together. George is on

the Phoenix with your blessing.

>> Exactly.

>> They're all on the Phoenix with my

blessing.

>> You passed him satisfactory.

>> I still say that he is until it's proved

that he's not.

>> Apparently, he made a dangerously low

approach at Kolkata.

>> Well, who said it was dangerous? He was

using the short runway there. His

approach should have been low.

>> He was too low. I was in the cockpit

with him. I warned him. I wasn't going

to show this to anyone, but you rather

forced my hand.

>> Where did this come from?

>> The hedge at Kolkata. They found it

around one of the wheels.

Oh, granite.

>> Good. I see you've been getting in some

more flight time.

>> Yeah. Yeah. Still as first officer then.

>> Yes. Well, Jud tells me he thinks it's

time you took out a Phoenix as captain.

How would you like that?

>> Good. How?

>> Of course, I'll have to check you out

first, but uh that should be all right.

>> By the way, weren't you on that last

trip with Captain Gold?

>> Yeah.

He uh hit the hedge at Kolkata, I'm

told.

>> Well, bit more to it than that.

>> How do you mean? Were you up front?

>> Yeah.

>> And Jud?

>> Yeah.

>> Well, come on. What happened?

>> Well, Jud wasn't too happy about using

the short runway. Tried to make Gort

change. That was the first thing.

>> Mhm.

>> Then he went on about being too high.

Not just telling him either. He put the

flaps down before Gort was ready. Well,

I mean, it wasn't Gort's fault, but I I

will say this for Jud. When when he

found that stuff on the wheel, he did

say, "Looks like we hit the hedge, so he

must have known it was half his fault."

>> I don't know why he was so worried

anyway. I mean, Gort's about the best of

the bar.

>> Yeah. Oh, well, thanks. I'll let you

know about that check.

>> Thanks,

Munich.

>> All right.

>> Been waiting long. I went to head office

this morning. I saw the chairman.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> Among other things, he talked about

Gort.

>> Well,

>> I told you there's every chance that

George will accept that job at

headquarters after all. I said I thought

he ought to have another check.

>> That's rather for me to decide, isn't

it?

>> Is that a suggestion?

>> The chairman wanted. I don't suppose

George will object. I'm not yet

convinced that the landing was entirely

his fault. I think you did it between

them. Gort was doing the handling and

>> you were doing the talking.

>> That sounds like Dallas. Oh, and that

reminds me. I don't think he should give

G this new check. I happen to know he's

in a rather difficult position there.

>> Huh?

>> I understand he's involved with G's

daughter.

>> What nonsense. I don't think he even

knows her.

>> I think he does. I mix with the crews

and I hear things. And I say this check

should be done by someone else for

Dallas's sake as much as anyone's.

Operations.

>> Operations. Do you know where Captain G

is?

>> Yes, sir. Estimating arrive ran about

3/4 of an hour.

>> He's not you are until Tuesday.

>> Captain Leland went sixer. So they asked

Captain Gort, Ranjad, Kolkata and back.

>> All right. Thank you. Well, I won't be

back till the day after tomorrow. I'll

try and arrange a check for Monday.

[Music]

A full load captain at last. And four

tons of freight. Even Captain Jud would

now be pleased.

>> Perhaps

you can hardly breathe in here.

>> We are at maximum weight, sir. Going to

need a lot of runway.

>> How much?

>> 5,300 ft. Unstick speed 118 knots. Well,

>> let's see the book.

That's right, Mr. Taylor.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> 5,300 ft.

That still leaves us

800 ft of runway to play with on a

stick. Yes, exactly. 118. 118. Mr.

Johnson, if you have the wind, start the

flight plan. Yes, sir.

>> Thank you, Mr. Taylor.

It's

>> like a Turkish bath outside. So, the

takeoff's got to be exactly to the book.

>> Of course, sir. I'm not doubting you,

Mr. Johnson. I'm just emphasizing it.

>> Yes, sir. When you call the speeds for

lifting the nose wheel off the ground

and the unstick, I want the exact

readings.

>> Will you sign the loot sheet, Captain?

>> Yes.

Weight 77,272

kilos.

Two feet out of Daisen.

All right.

Good. Good.

Thank you. Now, let's see about the

weather.

I can't tell you that without the

papers. They're on the desk.

oxygen on. Red pumps on. Booster pumps

on. Flaps 20%.

>> Clear to take off. Climb on course.

Clear to calata for 42,000 ft. Sir,

>> thank you. RPM checks at 10,500 on all

four, sir. Fuel flow is okay. Engine

pressure and temperature is normal.

>> Takeoff check completed, sir.

>> All set, Mr. Johnson.

>> All set, sir.

[Music]

75 knots.

There's

118.

[Music]

We're eating the runway. Speed still

118.

One come off.

It won't come off. Brace yourself, boy.

[Music]

Well, I'm off. Good night.

>> Good night,

Captain John. Hold it. Top priority.

[Music]

>> Priority.

Examyan

>> deeply regret

to

inform

you.

I think sir that we are already clear

from yesterday's proceedings that the

aircraft was properly loaded, the papers

were all in order and the weather

conditions do not enter into it. There

remain only two possibilities.

Mechanical failure on the part of the

aircraft or human failure on the part of

the crew. And you will understand that

for obvious reasons I am not in a

position as I was last time to prove

categorically that there was no

mechanical failure. And now Mr. Robinson

in your official capacity you watched

many Phoenix takeoffs from Rangad.

>> I have. Yes.

>> And did you notice any peculiarity in

Captain Gort's takeoff technique?

>> He seemed to lift the nose wheel off the

ground sooner than the others.

>> Yes.

>> And at the end of the run he appeared to

be more tailed down.

>> Thank you.

And in this particular takeoff, did it

seem to you that the same nose high

technique was again employed?

>> Yes.

>> Did the aircraft appear to leave the

ground?

>> It did not seem to. It carried on to the

end of the runway.

>> Yes. Yes. With the nose still high in

the air, and you could still hear as

loud as ever, the high whining engine

note at full takeoff power.

>> Oh, yes. Just the same as usual.

>> Thank you, Mr. Robinson. That is all.

Sir Arnold, please proceed. Uh,

>> well, sir, it was my intention at this

stage to call Captain Manningham, the

fleet superintendent. Unfortunately,

he's ill, suffering from a complete

breakdown, from which I'm sure we all

wish him a speedy recovery. I don't deny

that there were certain questions I

wanted to put to him, but in the

circumstances, I have no option but to

call Captain Dallas.

Captain Dallas and I know one another,

do we not?

>> We do. Yes. Now, Captain, on the

occasion of our last meeting, uh, you

said, if I remember correctly, that the

Phoenix is the most technically reliable

aircraft you'd ever flown. Right.

>> Yes, I did.

>> And I take it that nothing has changed

your opinion.

>> Basically, no.

>> Uh-huh. Then you will agree, I'm sure,

that the crash of Victor Mike bears a

remarkable resemblance to that of Victor

Fox.

>> There are certain similarities.

>> Certain similarities. Both were on the

same runway. Both were at full load. And

both were on a very hot night. and both

were piloted by Captain Gort. Now,

surely you mean remarkable similarities.

However, would you agree that the

similarities were such that you would

assume a cause common to both accidents?

>> In the case of Victor Mike, I don't

think you can assume anything. We just

don't know what happened.

>> But we've just heard from Mr. Robinson

that Captain Gort alone among the

Phoenix pilots habitually assumed a nose

high attitude on takeoff.

>> I'm afraid I can't accept that. It's

quite impossible to judge from

navigation lights, particularly on a wet

night and

>> Yes. Well, let's go back to the time

where after the first accident, Captain

Mariam asked you to check Captain G out

on the Phoenix.

>> That's right, isn't it?

>> Yes. Now, officially, of course, this

had nothing to do with you, but

privately, didn't you think that it

would be much wiser to take Captain G

off the Phoenix?

>> I don't see why. If a pilot wants to go

on flying and is checked out is

perfectly satisfactory.

>> Yes. Well, here's your check report. um

65 items. It appears Captain G did very

well, exceptionally well. But however

well he did, wasn't there a chance,

however slight, that he might make the

same sort of mistake again? Now, a pilot

never makes the same mistake twice.

>> Never. That's a very sweeping statement.

>> It's what I believe to be true. Captain

Dallas, how old was Captain Gort?

>> Why? I'm not sure.

>> Would it surprise you to know that he

was 51? Yes, it would. He was uh young

for his age, extremely fit. In fact, on

one occasion, it was his strength that

doubtedly saved.

>> Yes. Yes. Well, after reading this very

flattering report, it was plainly or

considered an expert opinion that he was

safe to go back on the route. Yes, it

was. Captain, are you the only

instructor on the Phoenix?

>> Yes. So, if the necessity arose for a

second check on Captain Gort, there

would have been no question of it being

carried out by anyone but you.

>> No. But if Captain Manningham had asked

someone else to do the check, I suppose

everyone, including yourself, would have

thought that he uh didn't trust your

judgment.

I

>> I suppose so. Yes.

>> But of course, nothing like that entered

into it, did it?

>> No, it didn't.

>> Thank you.

Thank you, Captain Dallas. That is all.

[Music]

Charlotte.

>> Charlotte, I think they'll blame him

again.

>> They can't.

They can't.

I can't bear it here.

It makes him look such a fool making the

same mistake twice. And he didn't. You

know that.

They have no right to blame him.

It's like botting out all his life,

everything he lived for.

>> If he is blamed, then I'm to blame, too.

I checked him. I said he was all right.

>> He was all right. And he was right the

first time, too.

I don't believe he made a mistake.

He He was a wonderful pilot.

Everyone said so.

He'd never have done anything that

wasn't 100% accurate. He had a mania for

it. Everything had to be done according

to the book.

It used to be a family joke.

Games I had when I was a child. He'd

take out the instructions

and we'd play them

word for word.

No variations allowed ever.

>> They more or less proved it wasn't the

phoenix or the weather. It must have

been the man.

He He must have done something wrong.

Perhaps something that wasn't in the

book.

>> Why couldn't the book be wrong?

That's it. The book was wrong. Don't you

see? That's what it was.

>> That can't be. You don't know what

you're talking about.

>> All right, I won't say anymore now.

You I want to go home alone.

Sorry.

announced the departure of their flight

339

to Rome, Cairo, Ranad, Kolkata and

Singapore.

[Music]

>> Well, here's your big moment.

>> I remember the first one I got. Good

luck.

>> Thanks.

>> Oh, Captain By. Yeah,

>> I want it on the telephone.

>> Oh, thanks. Hey, have a good trip.

>> Yeah,

>> there's something wrong somewhere.

Knowing Gort, it doesn't add up. That

must have been How many Phoenix

takeoffs? What? 10,000?

>> Oh, something like that.

>> But the only two at full load in very

high temperatures, both resulted in

crashes. Both piloted by George.

>> Seems inconceivable. He couldn't have

made the same mistake twice.

>> Unless it really was getting too much

for him.

>> No, he was the steadiest pilot we had.

That makes you wonder if the results of

the first inquiry were right.

>> But wasn't there something about a ropey

landing somewhere recently? I thought it

was funny gauntlet making that kind of

bloom.

>> Well, Jud may have had a hand in that,

but there was a ropey landing. All

right.

>> He hit the hedge at Kolkata.

He took this off his wheels when he

pulled up the short runway. I suppose

>> the short runway at Kolkata.

>> Yeah, that's why Jud was so steamed up.

>> Well, there's no hedge on that side of

Kolkata. There's a fence.

>> You sure? Of course, I'm sure. I was

stuck there for a couple of weeks once

for an engine change. Used to walk

around the place twice a day for now.

>> Now, just a minute. Let's get this

straight. Do you know what you're

saying? If this didn't come off the

hedge of Kolkata, it must have come

>> bad. Yeah. Yeah. There's a hedge there.

All right.

>> Now, Bradock was on that trip.

He told me Jud did the takeoff at

Ranchad. That means he must have hit the

head.

>> Taking off.

>> Yeah.

You know, this could make a hell of a

difference. The thing they got Gort for

last time was that he was the only pilot

to have trouble taking off.

>> Looks now as if he wasn't.

>> Yeah.

And how many near misses have there

been? The pilots never report them. You

know that.

>> Sometimes we don't even know we've had

them.

>> You know, Jock, if we're right about

this, it could happen again.

>> You're duty crew, aren't you?

>> Yeah.

Now, Captain Jud, I won't keep you very

much longer. Shortly after Captain Gort

returned to the route, a fact of which

you did not entirely approve.

>> I didn't say that.

>> You instituted a system of route

checking for pilots on service. And

among others, you checked Captain G.

>> Yes.

>> And found him, I expect, as Captain

Dallas, perfectly safe to fly the

Phoenix.

>> That's very much a matter of opinion.

Yes. Now, since you didn't write a

report, I must ask you if anything

happened to confirm your belief that

picked men, only picked new men should

fly the Phoenix.

>> Well, Captain Gore did come in a bit

low, Kolkata.

>> Does that mean dangerously low?

>> I think his wheels must have brushed the

hedge because

>> Yes. Yes. Captain Gort hit the hedge

coming in to land at Kolkata.

Now when you returned to England, you

asked the company to give Captain Gort

another check.

>> That's right. And they agreed.

>> Yes.

>> But before it could take place, Captain

Gort had flown out again rather

unexpectedly.

>> Yes.

>> Am I right in supposing that Captain

Dallas was going to do this new check?

Captain Jud, will you please answer my

question?

>> Captain Jud, I must insist upon your

answering.

>> Not Captain Dallas. No, Captain Bateson.

>> Thank you, Captain John. I'm very much

obliged.

>> But what are you going to do?

I've taken a room.

You can't stay here. I'm going to store

all these things until I can sell them.

>> I tried to call you here this afternoon.

>> I went to the man.

>> It's 6:00, miss. We'll have to come for

the rest in the morning.

>> Yes. All right.

>> Uh, good night, miss. Good night, sir.

[Music]

You sure there's nothing I can do? No,

>> you nothing.

Times when I feel I don't even want to

see you.

I'm trying to forget and you make it all

come back.

The moment you're gone, I'm sorry.

[Music]

That's part of what I tried to make you

understand about father. Everything

planned, the last detail.

>> But you have made me understand.

>> Poor father. I never did keep them up to

date.

>> Oh, I'll go. That'll be Bates. And I

hope you don't mind. I told him I was

coming around here.

>> I'd rather not see you.

>> Don't have to.

You stay here.

How John?

>> I've seen all the pilots who were in

seven of them. They were all a bit cy

about it, but five of them admitted they

don't fly quite to the book for takeoff.

>> How?

>> Not every time, but always when it's hot

and they're really heavy. Seems they

keep the nose wheel in the ground

longer. None stick later than it says.

>> Five out of seven.

>> Oh, of course I don't know about the

others out in the route except Bradock.

>> Yes, you're right. Gort did most of his

training. You fly strictly to rule for

certain. That's only uh 20% who follow

the book. Why didn't the others tell me

about it? You wait till I have a chance

to talk to them. What about you?

>> Me? Oh, well, to tell you the truth. Oh,

well, when it's hot and we're heavy, I

hold it down to the end of the runway,

too.

>> Oh, you do, dear?

>> Well, I do it by feel. You know how it

is. Instinct, if you like it.

>> Yes. Well, maybe you're right. Because

those who don't are damn lucky they

never had maximum weight on a hot night.

It hadn't been gort. It could have been

any of them.

>> The inquiry will have adjourned by now.

I'm meeting Jud. I'll be with you in a

minute.

>> Thanks, Eddie.

>> How are you?

>> I got you a beer.

>> Thanks. Need one.

>> Cheers.

>> Look, let's go over here.

>> How was the inquiry?

>> As you'd expect.

>> I was there this morning. heard part of

your evidence. Then I had to leave.

>> You're lucky. Went on quite a bit.

>> I heard what you said about takeoffs.

That no one had any trouble except Gort.

>> That's right.

>> I've been thinking about that check you

did on him. You did the takeoff at Rand.

Believe I did.

>> Why?

>> It was a hot night, wasn't it? And you

were pretty heavy.

>> I think we were. But what?

>> Now, did did you notice anything

peculiar?

>> No. Why did you use a lot of runway?

>> Heavy heart. Yes, of course. You um

remember that piece of hedge you brought

back?

>> Yes. What about it?

>> It didn't come from Kolkata. Came from

Rangead.

>> What? There is no hedge at Kolkata.

>> You're saying I hit the hedge on

takeoff?

>> Yes, I am. You took that piece of hedge

all the way to Kolkata tucked up in your

wheel well.

What are you driving at here?

>> Just that you very nearly didn't get

airborne that night. You're lucky to be

here.

>> Consuming you're right, which I don't

know.

>> Now, now just tell me one thing. Was

that takeoff according to the book?

>> Yes, of course. I always

>> Don't you see? Then if it could happen

to you, it could happen to anybody. One

day there's going to be another crash.

I'm going to see Pickering.

You see him by all means, but well,

personally,

I think the best thing to do about this

business is to forget it

>> or learn from

[Music]

Who's

I'm Nigel.

>> I heard you were coming. Jud telephoned.

>> Then you know why.

>> I know what you're going to tell me and

I think you're wrong.

>> Then show me something.

>> What?

>> Report of the takeoff trials you've been

doing in cartoon.

>> What do you know about them?

>> I saw the file in there. It was empty.

Hot weather trials, weren't there?

>> I can't show them to you. They belong to

my company. Anyway, they're highly

technical.

>> But you learned something. Look, you I

couldn't begin to explain unless you'd

had a course in aerodynamics and done

years of research.

That may sound like a school master.

What I'm trying to say is you're a

pilot. I'm a scientist. When I give you

an airplane, you can fly it. You forget

it's the result of months and years of

grinding work and uncertainty. Every

idea I have has to be checked and

rechecked and then checked again. Do you

realize how many parts there are to a

phoenix? Over 48,000.

I deal in facts and you expect me to

authorize changes on a theory. It's not

as easy as that.

>> But there's something wrong. I know it.

Not with the aircraft, but the way we

fly it. And you're worried. I know that,

too.

>> Of course, I'm worried. I'm always

worried, even when there are no

accidents.

>> That's why you did the trials in

cartoon.

>> You can forget cartoon. There's no

mystery about it. That was just one of a

dozen tests I have to make.

Look, I can tell you this much.

We're considering the possibility, the

possibility, mind you, of raising the

unstick speed in certain conditions. Of

course,

>> and you'll authorize the changes when

the inquiry is over, and it can't harm

the Phoenix.

>> That's not fair, and you know it. I must

be certain. Why do you think I spent

half my life in this tunnel? It could

affect other things. The nose wheel, for

one, there's a limit to what it can

stand.

I want the answer as much as you.

God knows I'm wetting to that end.

>> I'm sure of that. Meanwhile, right or

wrong, Gort takes all the blame and his

daughter has to live with it. And I'm

haunted by the fear of someone else

trying to get airborne and failing

because he did what I told him.

>> I'm sorry. I suppose we all have our

private nightmares.

Temperature,

[Music]

density, altitude,

weight, maximum, all up.

>> Well, that's like a turkey spot out

there.

>> Full load, sir. Need a lot of runway.

>> What?

It's

>> not all that number of passengers, is

it?

>> It's a full load of freight, sir. Gives

you maximum permissible.

Huh? Let's have a look at the book.

The graph says 5,300 ft of runway.

Unstick speed 118 knots.

>> Mr. Roberts.

>> Sir, unstick is exactly 118. And you

call the speeds for lifting the nose

wheel and for the unstick. Give me the

exact readings.

>> Okay.

Right.

Heat.

Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

Oxygen on.

Red pumps on.

Crystal pumps on.

Yes.

Yes. All right. I tell them in the

morning.

[Music]

>> Can I help you? Please.

>> There we are, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Phoenix Victor Extra, clear to takeoff.

>> Victor Extra, Roger out. Clear to take

off, sir. Clear to climb on course to

Kolkata at 42,000 ft.

>> Thanks. Okay.

[Music]

RPM check at 105 on all engines, sir.

Fuel flow is okay. Engine pressures and

temperatures normal.

>> Control tow.

[Music]

Takeoff check completed, sir.

>> All set.

>> Yes, I have it. Thank you.

>> Phoenix Victor extra urgent.

>> Okay, T, pass your message.

>> Takeoff technique on Phoenix One

aircraft to be changed. Fought with add

8 knots. I say again, add 8 knots to all

unstick speeds.

>> Victor extra. Understand. Add eight

knots.

>> Nose wheel to be kept on ground until

just before unstick speed is reached.

Message ends.

>> We'll come out.

>> What do you know? What's all that about?

I

>> don't mind that now. We're late. What's

that give us?

>> At 8 knots, unstick speed 126.

>> 126.

>> Give it to me exactly.

>> Yes, sir.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

There's

[Music]

126.

Under the carriage up.

[Music]

There can be no doubt, sir, that the

original inquiry must now be reopened.

I am sure we are agreed that it can only

lead to the complete vindication of the

late Captain Gort, for whose qualities

as a pilot and as a man we can only have

the greatest admiration.

[Music]

Thank you, Nigel.

[Music]

Come on, I'll take you home.

[Music]

Heat.

Heat.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]