Skyjacked

During mid-flight from Oakland to Minneapolis, a passenger discovers a bomb threat written in lipstick on the mirror of the first-class bathroom. Captain Hank O'Hara weighs the possibility that the threat is a hoax against the growing danger. This discovery sets the crisis in motion and tests the crew's resolve.

O'Hara remains unconvinced by a passenger's assertion that his erratic seatmate, Sgt. Jerome Weber, is the hijacker. He continues to assess the threat while the situation tightens around the plane. The crew prepares for possible action as tension rises.

A second lipstick threat appears on a stewardess's serving tray, and O'Hara follows its instruction to divert the flight toward Anchorage, Alaska. The pilots begin a long, fuel-intensive course change under the looming threat. The plan shift escalates the urgency onboard.

To prevent explosive decompression en route, O'Hara orders a lower cruising altitude. The decision significantly increases fuel consumption and strains the aircraft's limited reserves. The crew works to manage mounting tension as fuel dwindles.

Roosevelt Grier voices concern that Weber may be the hijacker, but O'Hara remains uncertain about the accusation. The rest of the crew and passengers watch anxiously as the mystery deepens. Tensions rise as more questions go unanswered.

Storms lash the flight path toward the north, reducing visibility and tearing at fuel reserves. The weather compounds the dangers of following a hijacker's demands. The crew tries to maintain control despite the worsening conditions.

As the approach to the destination nears, visibility becomes poor and a United States Air Force ground-control approach specialist is called in. Radar indicates a potential collision with a small, radio-failed aircraft, leaving little room for error with dwindling fuel. The crew cooperates with ground control to prepare for landing.

Radar shows the plane on a collision course with a failed radio small plane. O'Hara spots the other aircraft at the last moment and avoids a crash. Ground control guides them to a safe landing.

After landing, passengers attempt to subdue Weber, who brandishes a pistol and pulls the pin from a grenade, threatening to detonate it if anyone interferes. The lead stewardess oversees the evacuation of economy-class passengers via the emergency slide. Weber keeps the remaining crew and first-class passengers as hostages.

Weber goes to the cockpit and demands the aircraft be refueled, forcing the pilots to continue toward Moscow. The Soviets deny clearance into their airspace, but Weber compels the flight to proceed. The crew and the remaining passengers endure the mounting tension as they head toward the Soviet Union.

As they enter Soviet airspace, O'Hara orders landing gear down and reduces airspeed, broadcasting their situation to Soviet ground control. The aircraft is surrounded by aggressive Soviet fighter jets, who escort the airliner to Moscow airport and stop it on a siding. Soldiers tighten security around the plane.

With the remaining crew and passengers released, Weber revels in the notion of a Soviet hero's welcome but quickly realizes the Soviets intend to attack. He gloats to O'Hara that he never had a bomb as he prepares for further confrontation. The mood shifts from triumph to danger.

Weber shoots O'Hara and forces him toward the landing strip. As soldiers prepare to fire, Weber pulls a grenade pin and advances. O'Hara pushes free, a fusillade erupts, and Weber is killed by his own grenade.

O'Hara survives the ordeal and is placed on a stretcher. Gazing skyward, he smiles with relief as the threat ends and passengers begin to recover. The captain's narrow victory over the hijacker marks the end of the harrowing flight.