Minute 038: Center Engine Cutoff

Riding into orbit, the instrument panel suddenly reports a problem with the S-II’s center engine.

“Houston, this is Thirteen,” says Lovell, “We’ve got a center engine cut-off, go on the other four?”

On the big video screen at Mission Control, the telemetry shows Engine Five to be offline.

“Thirteen, we show the same, ” says the CAPCOM. He turns toward Kranz.

“Booster, can you confirm that center engine cutoff?” asks Kranz.

“Roger that, Flight,” says Booster, “looks like we lost it.”

“FIDO, what’s that going to do to us?” asks Kranz.

“Standby, Flight,” replies FIDO.

“I need to know if the IU is correcting for the Number Five shutdown,” says the FAO.

Swigert and Haise look at the alarm, then look at Lovell.

Lovell looks at the Abort handle.

“Houston, what’s the story on Engine Five?” asks Lovell.

“Looks good, we’re still Go,” says FIDO. “We’ll be alright, as long as we don’t lose another one.”

“Roger that,” says Kranz.

“Uh, Thirteen,” says CAPCOM, “We’re not sure why the inboard was out early, but the other engines are go so we’re gonna burn those remaining engines a little bit longer.”

“Roger that,” says Lovell, “Our gimbals are good, our trim is good — ”

IN THIS MINUTE:

Jim Lovell: Tom Hanks

Jack Swigert: Kevin Bacon

Fred Haise: Bill Paxton

Gene Kranz: Ed Harris

CAPCOM: Brett Cullen

MSC Controller, Tom: Rory Aylward

FIDO White Team Jerry Bostick: Ray McKinnon

GUIDO White Team: Andy Milder

RETRO White Team: Googy Gress

EECOM White Team: Clint Howard

Flight Surgeon: Christian Clemonson

TELMU White Team: Jim Meskimen

INCO White Team: John Short

FAO White Team: Todd Louiso

GNC White Team: Gabriel Jarret