Final Descent

Final Descent

Year: 1997

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Mike Robe

ThrillerTV MovieDrama

Shortly after takeoff an airliner collides with a light plane, jamming its elevator controls in the full‑up position. With the nose stuck pointing upward, the aircraft will run out of fuel and crash unless the crew can execute a desperate maneuver to bring the nose down and avoid disaster.

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Timeline & Setting – Final Descent (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Final Descent (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Quest Airlines flight to Dallas

The action unfolds aboard a commercial airliner en route to Dallas. The cockpit and cabin become the scene of a high-stakes crisis as the crew improvises to keep the aircraft controllable. The setting centers on the tense moments of takeoff, mid-air adjustments, and a hard-won landing.

✈️ In-flight 🛫 Air travel 🚨 Emergency

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

Main Characters – Final Descent (1997)

Meet the key characters of Final Descent (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Glen 'Lucky' Singer (Robert Urich)

An experienced Quest Airlines pilot who trusts instinct over automation. He leads the crisis response with calm determination, taking on a high-risk plan to save the passengers. His confidence is tempered by the weight of responsibility and a personal stake in the mission.

🧭 Instinct-driven 🛩️ Pilot 🎯 Risk-taker

Connie Phipps (Annette O'Toole)

Lucky's romantic partner and co-pilot, who remains professional despite personal stakes. She endures harsh conditions and helps execute the rescue plan under extreme circumstances. Her partnership with Lucky proves pivotal to the mission's execution and the passengers' survival.

🧭 Calm under pressure 🎯 Co-pilot ❤️ Romantic lead

Capt. George W. Bouchard (John de Lancie)

Quest's chief pilot who pushes for reliance on computerized systems while still offering leadership under pressure. He contributes technical judgment and ultimately supports the risky, unorthodox solution to the disaster.

🛫 Experienced 🧭 Rule-driven 🗺️ Strategic

Lt. Col. Frank O'Hearn (Stephen E. Miller)

Lucky's childhood friend and Air Force colonel who coordinates with the ground and air assets. He validates the unconventional water-loading plan and communicates risk to senior decision-makers.

🧭 Strategist 🛡️ Veteran 🗺️ Grounded

Tim Scott (Roman Podhora)

Canadian rigging expert leading the team that helps implement the water ballast and other field modifications. He plays a critical role in the execution of the stabilization plan under extreme conditions.

🧰 Resourceful 🧗 Team player 🛠️ Field engineer

Duke Houston (Jim Byrnes)

A former attack helicopter pilot who validates the feasibility of using a helicopter's cannon to modify the elevator system. He provides practical confirmation of the risky solution.

🪖 Veteran 🚁 Helicopter expert 🗡️ Resolute

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

Major Themes – Final Descent (1997)

Explore the central themes of Final Descent (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Crisis Management

In Final Descent, characters improvise under extreme time pressure, balancing risk and safety. The crew must navigate conflicting expert advice from autopilot systems, engineers, and ground troops. Luck and quick thinking become as vital as technical knowledge in saving lives.

🤝 Teamwork

The film emphasizes coordinated teamwork across crews, riggers, and authorities. Lucky, Connie, Tim, and Frank must synchronize dangerous maneuvers with support from ground crews and military assets. Trust and clear communication drive the plan forward.

❄️ Harsh Conditions

The flight faces sub-zero temperatures and extreme altitude conditions that challenge oxygen supply and equipment. The plan relies on specialized gear and ballasting methods to keep the aircraft controllable. Weather and environmental limits test the crew's resolve.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:33

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Unlock the Full Story of Final Descent

Don't stop at just watching — explore Final Descent in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Final Descent is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Final Descent Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Final Descent, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Final Descent Summary

Final Descent Timeline

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Final Descent Timeline

Final Descent Spoiler-Free Summary

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Final Descent Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Final Descent

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