The Doomsday Flight

Bob Shea is the airline’s chief pilot who takes command during the crisis. He quickly assesses the threat, orders Captain Anderson to circle Las Vegas, and directs the crew to search for the bomb aboard the DC-8. His leadership under pressure drives the decisions that aim to keep passengers safe until a safe landing is possible.

A former aviation engineer who masterminds the bomb threat and manipulates the situation from outside the aircraft. His plan relies on ransom demands and the authorities’ compliance, testing the limits of law enforcement under pressure. His interaction with the bartender and investigators reveals a cool, calculating adversary.

The flight captain who carries out Bob Shea’s orders and helps steer the crisis from the cockpit. He coordinates with the crew to circle around Las Vegas and maintains calm among passengers during the search for the bomb. His steady leadership supports the crew’s efforts to protect everyone onboard.

An FBI agent who takes charge of the investigation, coordinating with local police and airline officials. He interrogates the bartender to reconstruct the bomber’s exact words and helps establish the terms of the threat. His analytical approach aims to prevent a catastrophe and determine how the device is triggered.

The bartender becomes a crucial witness, suspecting the caller's motives and providing a steady, skeptical perspective. He reports the exact words of the caller after the heart attack disrupts the threat, aiding investigators. His calm demeanor under pressure helps keep the scene from spiraling further.

Chipps is part of the flight crew and assists in emergency procedures during the crisis. He helps monitor aircraft systems and supports the captain’s commands to ensure safe troubleshooting and landing. His practical know-how contributes to navigating the threat’s constraints.