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The pilots had hoped the issue could be resolved, but as they continued their flight towards San Francisco, the severity of their predicament began to materialize.
Desperation Set In
Two hours into the flight, as they neared Los Angeles, the stabilization failed completely. The supervisory crew found themselves in a steep, uncontrolled descent at alarming speed while trying to troubleshoot the malfunction. They were encouraged by air traffic control to divert to Los Angeles; however, they soon found themselves under pressure from the maintenance team to continue to San Francisco.
Ultimately, Captain Thompson insisted that they would land at the nearest airport where it was safest; this strong resolve came at a crucial moment, but it would not be enough to avert disaster.