The plot involves the crash of a transport aircraft in the middle of a desert and the survivors' desperate attempt to save themselves.

The Flight of the Phoenix came at the midpoint of Trevor's career and led to a bidding war over its film rights.

An unexpected sandstorm forces the aircraft down, damaging it, killing two of the men, and severely injuring the German.

Fearing the effect on morale, he and Moran keep their discovery secret, believing Stringer's plan is doomed.

The book was the basis of a 1965 film starring James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, and Hardy Krüger.