The pilot said there were another five hours to go.

"Pilot says to tell you we'll be taking off in about five minutes."

Both Federal officials and the pilots say that has not happened.

No one gets rich on the river, the pilots say.

"I need the fire department to come out here to take a look at this thing," the pilot said.

But the attack almost did not happen, the pilots said.

"You just make sure we get out in one piece," the pilot said.

"I can call and have them in a few minutes," the pilot said.

"You must be important," the pilot said before we took off.

We will return to prepare for your visit, the pilot said.