In Bill Bryson's "One Summer: America, 1927," he recounts an incident involving a pilot named Balchen, who was at the controls during a critical flight. The narrative highlights the misleading portrayal of Balchen's involvement, suggesting that others attempted to downplay his significant role in ensuring the flight's safety.

Balchen had been at the helm for an extended period prior to the incident, demonstrating remarkable skill and control. His ability to navigate the challenging conditions likely played a crucial role in protecting the lives on board, even if some portrayed the situation differently.