The three-man crew of FedEx 705 are just finishing their climb out from Memphis when they are attacked. In the struggle to control both the plane and the attacker, the pilots perform incredible feats in order to save their lives.

The USS Vincennes, stationed in the Persian Gulf, tracks an incoming aircraft. The plane is destroyed, but the crew's elation turns to dismay as it becomes clear they have shot down an innocent airliner with 290 people on board.