Prologue

The warning light was the first sign. And then: a disturbing quiet.

Less than 30 minutes earlier, my student and I had completed our pre-flight inspection of this sleek and powerful Air Force jet. 

But now, both aircraft engines have failed. Why? I don’t know.

12,000 feet…

We are plummeting to the earth.

The eerie silence is broken only by our ragged and heavy breaths over the intercom. In one minute, it will be too late to save it and ourselves.

“Lieutenant Mellott, no engines!” Zaree cries out over the intercom. “Engines not working!”

“I know. I’m trying another restart.”

I push the throttles to the emergency restart position again. Nothing happens.

11,000 feet…

“Zaree! Check your fuel boost pump switches.”

“Fuel boost pump switches good!” he shouts back. I barely have more experience than Lieutenant Zaree, but he doesn’t know what to do. I have to solve the problem. I’m the instructor.

I push both start buttons. Nothing happens.

10,000 feet…

Come on… come on… start! 

It should work, but it doesn’t. We aren’t flying. We’re falling. 

9,000 feet…

I have no answers. My chest tightens; hurried breaths gripped by hopelessness and fear.

My childhood dream to fly turned into a nightmare.