Book Summary
Paul Fields, the Senior Aircraft Accident Investigator, having completed just under a hundred crash investigations, is dispatched to investigate the crash of an A6 Prowler, piloted by a skilled Marine Officer, Max Sturgess. Leading the investigation and the Safety Board from Sturgess’ Squadron at Cherry Point Marine Base, Fields quickly learns that there are opposing motives being orchestrated by the pilot’s Wing Commander, Colonel Sam Ramsey.
The investigation is detailed as the crash site is located on a mountain ridge in Virginia. With the body of the pilot and the two survivors found and evacuated, the hard work of the investigation goes from the pick up at the site to the layout in an a blistering hot airport hanger. Back at Cherry Point Fields finds himself unable to agree with the Board as to the reason for the crash. Aware of some subterfuge but unable determine a final answer to why the crash happened, Fields submits an opposing report to the Safety Board’s.
Knowing Field’s skill and trusting his instincts, the Admiral in charge of the Naval Safety Center secretly dispatches Fields back to Cherry Point to find why the investigation was diverted to an unlikely answer.
Once back on the investigation, Paul Fields begins to unfold the plot to keep the truth from being found. He suddenly finds himself a target as he is beginning to unravel the plot to keep the investigation from finding the answer. With the help of the wife of the dead pilot, Fields learns the truth, a truth that changes the lives of everyone involved and finally, the balance between honor and duty and the critical importance of learning the truth.