But of course, something bad has to happen, or it wouldn't be a drama: just as a conflict between two passengers is reaching a climax, there's a loud noise, and a woman looks out the window and screams- #1 has failed violently, shedding its prop and nearly tearing itself loose!!
They dive while engaging the extinguishers; the fire goes out but the prop has torn up the left wing, puncturing the fuel tank there. They've just passed the point of no return, and it looks like they might have to ditch.
They can't raise SF on the radio, but fortunately a nearby ship's radio man is illegally operating an air-band radio- he responds to their mayday, and relays it to SF. The Coast Guard leaps into action, falling out in the foggy darkness:
A radar-equipped B17 and Mariner are dispatched... the B17 will intercept and escort, and the seaplane will stand by to pick up survivors out of the rough water.
The copilot breaks the news to the passengers...
Soon the Coast Guard gets them on radar and forms up, but the captain is freaking out... they might just be able to get to shore, but he decides to ditch, despite the bad weather.
This could be the only movie ever where the copilot slaps his captain silly; in typical John wayne fashion, the FO takes control... but soon all is forgiven; the captain apparently just needed a good smacking, and he agrees to try to make San Fransisco on fumes...
Next: will they make it?
