The original Flight of the Phoenix plane was crashed on the very last take as they wrapped up filming. The take was already completed but the director asked for another just 'in case'. Paul Mantz was the pilot. Mantz at the time was the most famous ( and richest ) stunt pilot in Hollywood. His company pretty much did the majority of stunt flying for movies from the thirties ( Howard Hughes 's time ) onwards. He was practically a star himself. Mantz was well into ( I think ) his fifties at the time and a life of surviving some incredible flying mishaps/risks as well as serious partying with the 'ratpack' of Hollywood finally caught up with him....the fact that the plane - which was cobbled together from various pieces - was fairly unbalanced and tricky to fly did not help.
I.T.O movies vs books - You really have to read Gann - his books are incredible. He wasnt always happy with the movies made from them - he went as far as to remove his name from the credits of one - and never received royalties. He was also an accomplished sailor and his sailing books are equally good.