On the brink of disaster

Arthur Hailey's first novel is a true calling card for the writer. The book, which became the basis for a thrilling film, follows a disastrous flight. A flight that could be the passengers' last. Both pilots are unconscious from poisoning. One of the passengers, John Spencer, who last flew the plane many years ago, is forced to take control. The lives of dozens of people hang in the balance—and everything depends on Spencer's ability to land the plane at Vancouver Airport. And the ubiquitous press is already converging on the landing site.