Consolidated Airlines Flight 243 crashes while landing at Charlotte Douglass International airport. Investigative reporter Dirk Johnston is at the airport covering an unrelated story, and witnesses the crash. Contrary to growing public opinion resulting from the crash investigation, Dirk does not believe that pilot error is the cause of the crash.
He develops contacts with air traffic controllers and Consolidated executives that leads him to a mysterious group of men known as "The Investors". His investigation uncovers a complex network of financial agreements that reveal that "The Investors" covertly control every aspect of Consolidated Airlines' operations.
As his investigation unfolds, he is convinced that this will be the most rewarding piece of journalism he has every created. Unfortunately he underestimates the resolve of "The Investors" to ensure that his story never sees the light of day.