During routine maintenance of a liquid-fuelled ICBM, the fuel tank is penetrated by a falling spanner. The film traces the efforts of the maintenance crew and associated military and civilian personnel to recover the potentially disastrous situation before the fuel tank is sufficiently depressurised that the stack collapses and explodes.

Ray Bakeras Col. Chadwick
Peter Boyleas Gen. Sanger
Patricia Charbonneauas Kathy Fitzgerald
Perry Kingas Maj. Hicks
Michael O'Keefeas Sgt. Mike Fitzgerald
Joe Spanoas Sgt. Swofford
Dennis Weaveras Sheriff Ben Harlen
Joe Urlaas Pepper Martinelli
Brent Jenningsas A.C. Jones
Christian Clemensonas Colonel Brandon