An airliner on a routine flight from San Francisco to Tokyo is struck by a U. S. Navy missile. Because of the sudden change in cabin pressure, all but five people on board are either dead, comatose, or raving mad. As Flight 52 becomes the ultimate test of survival, onboard horrors begin to mount up. In addition, the airline, the insurance company, and the Navy are desperate to cover up the mishap--no matter what the cost.