Presented in a new Special Illustrated Edition, Marjorie Phleger's timeless tale of survival and one man's interaction with nature has appeared on scores of reading lists since 1963. Young pilot Steve Ferris makes a good living taking fishermen from San Diego to coastal settlements in Baja California. But on one return trip, Ferris flies into what the Mexicans call a chubasco - a sudden summer storm that can strike with near-hurricane force. Ferris fights through the storm and is blown far out to sea while raging winds threaten to tear the wings from his aircraft. When a beach appears in the distance, he takes a chance and tries to land. And so begins the story of Pilot Down, Presumed Dead.